The first two Centennial Challenges competitions will be released by NASA and its partner, the Spaceward Foundation, on Wednesday, March 23 at 7:45 p.m. EST at Flight School ’05, Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel, Scottsdale, Ariz.

NASA is conducting a media teleconference at 10 a.m. EST, Friday, March 25 about the program. It features Brant Sponberg, Manager, Centennial Challenges program. Centennial Challenges promotes technical innovation through a novel program of prize competitions. It is designed to tap the nation’s ingenuity to make revolutionary advances to support the Vision for Space Exploration and NASA goals.

Reporters interested in participating in the teleconference should call Michael Braukus or J.D. Harrington (202/358-1979/5241) by noon EST, Thursday. The teleconference will be audio streamed live on the Internet at:

http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio

For information about NASA’s Exploration Mission Directorate on the Internet, visit:

http://exploration.nasa.gov/