NASA asks public to name International Space Station's next module

Washington, Feb 21 (ANI): NASA is asking the public to help name the Internaional Space Station's next module - a control tower for robotics in space and the world's ultimate observation deck.

Individuals can vote for the module's name online, choosing one of four NASA suggestions - Earthrise, Legacy, Serenity or Venture - or writing in a name.

Submissions will be accepted February 19 through March 20.

According to NASA, the name should reflect the spirit of exploration and cooperation embodied by the space station and follow in the tradition set by Node 1, named "Unity," and Node 2, named "Harmony."

The winning name will be announced at the Node 3 unveiling on April 28 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Eight refrigerator-sized racks in the Node 3 module will provide room for many of the station's life support systems.

Attached to the node is the cupola, a one-of-a-kind work station with six windows around the sides and one on top.

The cupola will offer astronauts a spectacular view of their home planet and their home in space.

In addition to providing a perfect location to observe and photograph Earth, the cupola also will contain a robotics workstation from which astronauts will be able to control the station's 57-foot robotic arm.

The node is scheduled to arrive at Kennedy April 20 and is targeted for launch in late 2009. (ANI)