WASHINGTON - NASA will release the findings of two reviews regarding astronaut medical and behavioral health assessments during a news conference scheduled for 1 p.m. EDT, July 27. The news conference will take place in the James Webb Auditorium at NASA Headquarters in Washington, which is located at 300 E St., S.W.

In February, NASA requested an independent external committee conduct a comprehensive review of health services available to astronauts. At the same time, NASA's Johnson Space Center, Houston, began an internal assessment of behavioral medicine practices for astronauts. Both groups have completed their reviews.

The news conference participants are:

- Shana Dale, NASA deputy administrator, NASA Headquarters, Washington

- Air Force Col. Dr. Richard E. Bachmann, chairman, NASA Astronaut Health Care System

Review Committee

- Ellen Ochoa, director of flight crew operations, NASA Johnson Space Center, Houston

- Dr. Richard S. Williams, chief health and medical officer, NASA Headquarters

The news conference will be carried live on NASA Television and the agency's Internet homepage, www.nasa.gov. Media representatives may ask questions from participating NASA field centers. Reporters should call their local center to confirm its participation in the event.

Both reports will be available Friday at noon online at:

http://www.nasa.gov/audience/formedia/features/astronautreport.html

For NASA TV downlink, schedule and web video streaming information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv