MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. -- A group of emerging space leaders will gather at NASA's Ames Research Center from Feb. 12 to 15 to discuss innovative approaches to designing the future of space exploration. This year's Next Generation Exploration Conference will focus on entrepreneurial opportunities in lunar development. News media are invited to attend.

The conference is designed to give young space technology leaders a forum to interact with NASA's senior management. Participants will collaborate in working groups and present their ideas to the NASA Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Commercial Development Policy group and the Innovative Partnerships Program Office.

WHAT: A media opportunity to document emerging leaders in aerospace apply their expertise in designing the future of space exploration. In addition to attending the conference, media are invited to hear from Ames' center director, Pete Worden.

WHEN: - 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. PST, Feb. 12-14 and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 15: Participants hear from various speakers and interact in working groups. - 11 a.m., Feb. 15: Media opportunity to hear from conference participants and Ames' center director, Pete Worden.

WHERE: NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., Conference Center, located at Building 3, in the NASA Research Park. To reach Ames, take U.S. Highway 101 to the Moffett Field, NASA Parkway exit and drive east on Moffett Boulevard toward the main gate. Guards at the main gate will direct reporters to NASA Research Park, behind the gate.

For an agenda and information about the Next Generation Exploration Conference, visit:

http://ngec.arc.nasa.gov

For more information about NASA and its programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov