The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Office of Space
Science has previously announced its intentions to release an Announcement
of Opportunity (AO) for the next missions in the Small Explorer (SMEX)
program in February 2003. Those plans have been modified.

The SMEX AO will not be released while NASA is operating under a continuing
resolution. Depending on the availability of appropriated funds, the SMEX
AO should be released shortly after NASA's FY03 budget is signed (but no
earlier than February 3).

Comments and questions on the SMEX AO and the Explorer Program may be
addressed to:

Dr. Paul Hertz
Explorer Program Scientist
Code SZ
Office of Space Science
NASA Headquarters
Washington, DC 20546-0001
Tel: (202) 358-0986
FAX: (202) 358-3096
E-mail: phertz@...

Comments and questions are preferred in writing and may be sent by fax or
E-mail; the character string "SMEX DRAFT AO" (without quotes) should be
included in the subject line of all transmissions. The identity of those
submitting comments or questions will be held in confidence.