Notice of Intent to Release a Solicitation for a Mars Telecommunication
Orbiter (MTO) Science Investigation

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) intends to release
an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) no earlier than May 1, 2005, for a MTO
Science Investigation. This investigation must support the science theme
of Mars Climate/Weather Monitoring identified by the MTO Science Definition
Team. The MTO science investigation will require providing a science
instrument to be launched with the MTO mission in late 2009. The launch
services and spacecraft will be NASA-provided resources. Proposals in
response to this AO will be due 90 days after its formal release.

Participation in this AO will be open to all categories of U.S. and
non-U.S. organizations, including educational institutions, industry,
not-for-profit organizations, Federally Funded Research and Development
Centers, NASA Centers and other Government agencies.

A Preproposal Conference will be scheduled approximately 3-6 weeks after
the AO is released. Details for this conference will be provided in the AO.

Questions or comments about this intention to release an MTO Science
Investigation may be addressed in writing or by E-mail to the NASA MTO
Program Scientist:
Dr. R. Stephen Saunders, Ref.: MTO AO, Mail Suite: 3K39A, Solar System
Exploration Division, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters,
Washington, DC, 20546-0001; Email: stephen.saunders@... (subject line
to read "MTO AO").