Feb. 20, 2009

John Yembrick
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1100
john.yembrick-1{at}nasa.gov

RELEASE: M09-034

BE PART OF HISTORY -- HELP NASA NAME THE NEXT SPACE STATION MODULE

WASHINGTON -- NASA is asking the public to help name the
International
Space Station's next module - a control tower for robotics in space
and the world's ultimate observation deck.

Eight refrigerator-sized racks in the Node 3 module will provide room
for many of the station's life support systems. Attached to the node
is the cupola, a one-of-a-kind work station with six windows around
the sides and one on top. The cupola will offer astronauts a
spectacular view of their home planet and their home in space. In
addition to providing a perfect location to observe and photograph
Earth, the cupola also will contain a robotics workstation from which
astronauts will be able to control the station's 57-foot robotic arm.

Individuals can vote for the module's name online, choosing one of
four NASA suggestions -- Earthrise, Legacy, Serenity or Venture -- or
writing in a name. Submissions will be accepted Feb. 19 through March
20. The name should reflect the spirit of exploration and cooperation
embodied by the space station and follow in the tradition set by Node
1, named "Unity," and Node 2, named "Harmony."

The winning name will be announced at the Node 3 unveiling April 28
at
NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The node is scheduled to
arrive at Kennedy April 20 and is targeted for launch in late 2009.

For more information, to submit a name and to view pictures of the
node and cupola, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/namenode3

For additional information about the International Space Station,
visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

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