NASA signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the U.S. Department of Defense Missile Defense Agency (MDA). The MOA allows the two organizations to exchange information and collaborate on crucial matters affecting safety and mission success.

Under the agreement, NASA and MDA will exchange information about safety and quality methodology and participate jointly in work groups, studies, analysis, and supplier audit/assessment activities. NASA and MDA have also agreed to share relevant documents, data and information about topics such as mission assurance practices, the status of risks in parts and materiel supply chains.

"Sharing information and ideas that address the challenges of safe and successful space flight will help both agencies," said Bryan O'Connor, NASA's Associate Administrator for Safety and Mission Assurance, after signing the agreement Tuesday.

This MOA is the latest in a series of actions resulting from information exchanges between NASA and other organizations that manage high-risk operations. This includes an MOA signed in August with the U.S. Navy to identify and use the "best of the best" safety and engineering practices of each organization.