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Sonja Alexander
Headquarters, Washington                  February 20, 2003
(Phone: 202/358-1761)

RELEASE: 03-071

EDUCATOR ASTRONAUT REPORT CARD:
TEACHERS INTERESTED IN SPACE MORE THAN EVER

     The Educator Astronaut Program (EAP) has received more than 4,500 
nominations since its debut on January 21. Since the Columbia 
accident, the Educator Astronaut Program has received strong support 
from the public, and the program continues to move forward.

One student wrote a nomination saying his teacher told him he wanted 
to go into space now more than ever. Students of all ages were 
nominating their teachers this week, describing the educators as 
everything from "passionate and enthusiastic" to "super cool and 
physically fit."

"We're hearing about extraordinary educators, and the recent 
nominations have been inspiring through the Columbia tragedy," said 
EAP co-manager and astronaut, Leland Melvin.

Anyone interested in recommending a teacher may submit a nomination on 
the Internet at: http://edspace.nasa.gov/nominate/nominate.html

To learn more about the Educator Astronaut Program and other NASA 
education activities on the Internet, visit: http://edspace.nasa.gov

For more information about NASA on the Internet: www.nasa.gov

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