<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
COMPANY'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS INCLUDED IN ITS FORM 10-Q FOR THE FISCAL QUARTER
ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          MAR-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             APR-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               DEC-31-1996
<CASH>                                           3,598
<SECURITIES>                                     4,634
<RECEIVABLES>                                       57
<ALLOWANCES>                                        46
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                 8,480
<PP&E>                                          20,007
<DEPRECIATION>                                  11,169
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  19,847
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                            1,660
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           153
<OTHER-SE>                                      16,958
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    19,847
<SALES>                                             20
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                   108
<CGS>                                                4
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                        4
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 8,988
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                  74
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                      0
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (9,793)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (9,793)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                   (0.64)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                   (0.64)