UNITED SPACE ALLIANCE DISMISSES EMPLOYEES TO PREPARE

HOUSTON, Texas (September 21, 2005) -- United Space Alliance, NASA’s prime space shuttle contractor, will dismiss its Texas workforce, effective at noon on Wednesday, September 21, and is encouraging all employees to secure their property and evacuate the area in preparation for Hurricane Rita.
The dismissal order affects all employees at all USA operated facilities, both on and off the Johnson Space Center. USA facilities will not re-open before Monday, September 26.
All USA employees are encouraged to pay attention to news reports for information on the path and progress of the storm, and for information about returning to work following the storm. In addition, USA employees can obtain information on the USA external website at www.unitedspacealliance.com and from the employee hotline at 1-800-713--0875. The website and hotline are being supported by systems and personnel in Florida, and should not be adversely affected by the impacts of the storm. In addition, updates will be available through the NASA hotlines at 281-483-3351 and 877-283-1947.