Press Release

MEDIA CONTACT:
Timothy Dillon Director of Marketing & Media Relations
(512) 936-4600 Fax: (512) 936-4699 Email: timothy.dillon@thestoryoftexas.com

Texas Youth to Talk Live with Astronaut in Space Education Downlink at The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum Aug. 12

AUSTIN, TX, July 26, 2009 – Texas-area students will have the unique opportunity to speak live with astronaut Colonel Timothy Kopra aboard the International Space Station (ISS) in a historic satellite conference. This momentous event is a coordinated effort among the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Texas Space Grant Consortium, The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, the Texas State History Museum Foundation and KVUE.

At a to-be-determined, 20-minute increment of time between 9 a.m. and noon CST on Aug. 12, students will speak live with Colonel Kopra—a native Texan—during the In-flight Education Downlink. The downlink, one of only two granted during Expedition 20 to U.S. host organizations, will be broadcast in select screening areas all around The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, including its impressive 380-seat IMAX® Theatre.

The event is a historical first on several fronts: It is Colonel Kopra’s first space flight, part of the first expedition to host a full six-person crew aboard the ISS, and the first-ever live downlink to take place in Austin, TX.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum has partnered with the Texas Space Grant Consortium to bring this extraordinary educational opportunity to Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP) students as well as educational organizations throughout Texas. Participating students will have the opportunity to submit science-related questions in advance to the Museum. It is expected 15-20 questions will be answered by live communication with Colonel Kopra. Any additional questions will be answered by an Aerospace Education Specialist who will be in attendance.

To ensure everyone has access to this historic event, the Museum is offering free admission to the public beginning at 8 a.m. on Aug. 12. The Museum also will host complimentary educational activities from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., including on-site experiments, VIP autograph signings, hands-on educational programming, an inflatable planetarium, Space Station 3-D IMAX® screenings courtesy of the Texas Space Grant Consortium and special guest speakers. Further details will be announced at a later date.

NASA’s education downlinks support the agency’s efforts to encourage students to study and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). These events, by NASA’s Teaching From Space Office, use the unique experience of human space flight to promote and enhance STEM education.

The downlink will air live worldwide on NASA Television as well as at www.nasa.gov/ntv.