You Can Be a Virtual Astronaut: NASA's "Fly Your Face in Space" Program

As a child I was extremely interested in the developing space program, and I faithfully followed the progress of America's first 7 astronauts. Perhaps you, too, were always fascinated with the concept of space travel. Maybe you even wanted to fly into the "wild blue yonder" with those first 7 space pioneers, or the dozens who have taken the trip since. If so, NASA is inviting you to take a trip with one of the last two space shuttle missions, the Discovery or the Endeavor.

Actually, you won't be taking the trip, but your face or name can be aboard one of the shuttles making these historic final flights. To participate as a "virtual astronaut," you need to go to NASA's "Fly Your Face in Space Program" page. Once you upload your photo (or just your name if you prefer) you will be included in an upcoming trip, along with the 84,000 plus people from all over the world who have already signed up.

The current date for the shuttle Discovery's mission is November, 2010. Discovery will be making the 133rd space shuttle flight, and the 35th shuttle mission to the International Space Station. As part of their work, the mission specialists aboard will deliver critical spare parts to the Station.

The current date for the shuttle Endeavour's mission is February, 2011. It will be the 134th and final flight for this program. Endeavour will be transporting spare components for the Space Station, as well as delivering the AMS-02 (Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer). The AMS-02 is a state-of-the-art particle physics detector which has been developed by an international team of scientists. This team is sending the AMS to the Space Station hoping to add to their knowledge of the universe and how it began. You can read more about this program here.

To be included in one of these historic space travel missions, you need to go to the website, click on the "participate" button, choose the launch date you prefer, then follow the simple directions to upload your photo. If you'd rather not send a photo, you can just enter your name. The process only takes a minute or two, and there is a cute mini video at the end.

After you are registered, you will need to occasionally check the web site for any changes in launch dates, then wait for your flight to begin. You will even be able to follow your voyage online as it happens. You will be able to see photos from the shuttle and read updates on the mission's status on Twitter and Facebook. After the shuttle returns, you can go back to the NASA web page and print a special commemorative certificate, signed by the Mission Commander.

Anyone over the age of 13 is eligible to sign up for this unique opportunity. If you have a child under that age you would like to "send into space," you need to certify that you are the parent or guardian and legally able to include them. What a wonderful opportunity to provide your children with a unique and treasured memento of their young life.

All you frustrated astronauts and mission specialists, act now so you don't miss what may be your only opportunity to be part of the space program.

Sources: https://faceinspace.nasa.gov/index.aspx
http://ams-02project.jsc.nasa.gov/index.htm