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NASA, Channel One News Linkup With Next Shuttle Mission; Students Can Submit Questions for Astronauts

Posted on: Thursday, 19 February 2009, 15:16 CST

HOUSTON, Feb. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In a unique event, NASA and Channel One News will offer students the opportunity to ask questions of the next space shuttle crew. The crew includes two former science teachers, Joseph Acaba and Richard Arnold, who are now fully-trained NASA astronauts. They will make their first journey into orbit on shuttle Discovery's upcoming mission to the International Space Station, currently targeted to launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida no earlier than Feb. 27.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20081007/38461LOGO)

On the mission's fourth day, Channel One News Anchor Steven Fabian will interview Acaba, Arnold, shuttle Commander Lee Archambault and International Space Station Commander Mike Fincke. The questions will be selected from written and videotaped submissions made on the Web at:

http://www.channelone.com/news/space-station-q-a

NASA Television and the agency's Web site will broadcast the interview live. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

"This is a great opportunity to recognize the important contribution of teachers inspiring the next generation of explorers," said Joyce Winterton, NASA's assistant administrator for Education at NASA Headquarters in Washington.

"We are thrilled for this special opportunity to connect Channel One students directly to the space shuttle crew," commented Angela Hunter, senior vice president and executive producer for Channel One News. "Providing teens with this type of access to an important journey allows students to share in a unique experience and offers them tools to further explore a fascinating area of science."

The STS-119 mission will deliver the station's final set of giant solar arrays, which will provide the electricity to fully power science experiments and support the station's expanded crew of six in May. The flight also will replace a failed unit for a system that converts urine to potable water.

During the 14-day flight, Acaba will conduct two spacewalks and Arnold will conduct three. As a complement to the spacewalks, NASA has developed an educational Web site focused on spacesuits and spacewalks. The site includes activity guides for kindergarten through 12th grade teachers; a clickable spacesuit to learn about the parts and functions of the astronauts' personal spacecraft; and a career corner that features profiles on spacesuit designers and technicians. To access the resources designed to enhance classroom discussions and excite students, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education/spacesuits

For Acaba and Arnold's complete biographies, visit:

http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/acaba-jm.html

and

http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/arnold-rr.html

For the latest information about the STS-119 mission and crew, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

For more information about the International Space Station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station

SOURCE NASA

Source: PR Newswire

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