WASHINGTON, 29 Oct. 2011.NASA officials seek proposals from U.S. educational organizations--local, state, and federal government agencies, school districts, museums, science centers, national and regional education organizations--to inspire the next generation of explorers by hosting live, interactive education downlinks with astronauts onboard the International Space Station (ISS). NASA officials are accepting comprehensive proposals for downlink opportunities during space station missions scheduled from March to September 2012. The deadline to submit proposals that target a large number of participants is Dec. 21.
NASA crew members Don Pettit, Joseph Acaba, and Sunita Williams will participate in the 20-minute downlink opportunities during Expeditions 31 and 32. Participants on Earth see and hear the crew members live from space, while the crew hears the questions but does not see the audience.
NASA personnel provide this opportunity at no charge to the host institution, and work with the organization to help plan the event.
"Educational downlinks provide unique opportunities for students around the country to learn more about living in space and exploring beyond Earth's boundaries," says Cindy McArthur, Teaching from Space project manager at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston.
The downlink opportunities are broadcast live on NASA Television and are streamed on the NASA Web site.
