A new state partnership with NASA is expected to develop technology and strategies for the continued manned and unmanned exploration of space.

Under the two-year agreement with NASA’s Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif., the state would develop a prototype International Lunar Research Park at the University of Hawaii-Hilo. Research would focus on development and testing of advanced automated and remote-controlled robotic vehicles, the governor’s office said in a news release.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie signed the agreement today at a news conference with NASA Associate Deputy Administrator Rebecca Keiser.

The state would provide the prototype test environment and infrastructure for the lunar park facilities and examine the potential to develop innovative space-related technologies for educational, industry and government use. NASA will evaluate new concepts and models for conducting space exploration. 

The state’s Office of Aerospace Development will be the lead state agency for the project.