NOTICE: The project that is the subject of this report was approved by the Governing Board of the National Research Council, whose members are drawn from the councils of the National Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, and the Institute of Medicine. The members of the task group responsible for the report were chosen for their special competences and with regard for appropriate balance.

Support for this project was provided by Contracts NASW 96013 and 01001 between the National Academy of Sciences and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsor.

Cover image obtained from NASA Web site www.nasa.gov. Image depicted is from mission STS113 (December 2, 2002). Backdropped by a blue and white Earth, this full view of the International Space Station (ISS) was photographed by a crew member on board the space shuttle Endeavour following the undocking of the two spacecraft.

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