ESA seeks name for next European mission to ISS

Following the success of an earlier competition to name the OasISS mission, ESA is now asking Europeans to suggest a name for the next mission to the International Space Station, which will see the participation of ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang.

Fuglesang will join the 11-day STS-128 mission to the ISS as a Mission Specialist. Currently scheduled for launch with Space Shuttle Atlantis on 6 August 2009, this will be Fuglesang’s second spaceflight.

On his arrival at the Station, Fuglesang will meet up with ESA astronaut Frank De Winne, who is now a member of the resident ISS Expedition 20 crew. At the time of Fuglesang's arrival, the Station will be occupied by a six-strong crew that includes astronauts from four different space agencies: ESA, NASA, Roscosmos and the Canadian Space Agency.

As well as conducting scientific experiments and Earth observation activities, Fuglesang will carry out two of the three scheduled spacewalks. Fuglesang will also be responsible for the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM), an Italian-developed cargo module that is used to carry cargo, such as science and storage racks, food, clothes and water, to the Station. The MPLM will fly to the ISS in the payload bay of Space Shuttle Atlantis: once at the Station it will be transferred by robotic arm from the Shuttle cargo bay and attached to the ISS as a pressurised module, giving the crew access to unload the cargo.

The competition is open to all citizens and residents of the ESA Member States*. The winning name will become the official European name of Fuglesang's mission and the winner will receive a frame with the mission logo signed by European astronauts.

The name has to reflect the following aspects:

• Europe is exploring space Humans are explorers by nature. Europe has a legacy in exploring Earth and will live up to the expectations in exploring space.
• ESA cooperates with the international partners in space exploration
  The ISS is a great example of international cooperation. By contributing with people and modules ESA confirms its commitment to cooperate with its international partners also in further space exploration missions
• Europe has its own Columbus laboratory permanently in space Europe uses its Columbus laboratory on the ISS for science, technology and education for the benefit of life on Earth.

Click HERE for more information on the conditions of this competition.