1 July 2008:
Under NASA sponsorship, the National Science Foundation (NSF) conducted a comprehensive mission review of the ENDURANCE's readiness to deploy to Antarctica for two years of science operations beneath the ice at Lake Bonney. ENDURANCE is slated to explore and map one of the world's most pristine underwater lakes in search of microbial life and processes critical to understanding our origins and environment. Some of the country's most recognized underwater scientists and exploration managers reviewed the project, the result of which was a "go" by NASA and NSF. This major milestone gives all parties involved confidence to deploy to one of the harshest places on earth in the October 2008 timeframe. Under contract to the NSF, Raytheon Polar Services Company (RPSC) will provide all Antarctica integrated logistics support for ENDURANCE and the Stone Aerospace team.

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