NASA readying for trip to Mars--and beyond.

• Position: Outer Space - Brief article

NASA has selected three proposals to develop and manufacture ultralight-weight (ULW) materials for future aerospace vehicles and structures. The proposals--from HRL Laboratories LLC, Malibu, Calif.; ATK Space Systems LLC, Magna, Utah; and Dynetics Inc., Huntsville, Ala.--will mature advanced technologies that will enable NASA to reduce the mass of spacecraft by 40% for deep space exploration.

"Lightweight and multifunctional materials and structures are one of NASA's top focus areas capable of having the greatest impact on future missions in human and robotic exploration," says Steve Jurczyk, associate administrator for the agency's Space Technology Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. 'These advanced technologies are necessary for us to be able to launch stronger, yet lighter...