July 23, 2010

Ann Marie Trotta Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1601 ann marie trotta@nasa gov

Jenna Maddix Johnson Space Center, Houston
281-244-0185 jenna c maddix@nasa gov RELEASE: 10-177

NASA SEEKS UNDERGRADS TO DEFY GRAVITY FOR SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING

HOUSTON -- NASA is offering undergraduate students an opportunity to test an experiment in weightless science as part of the agency's Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program Proposals are due by Oct 27

The program, managed by the Johnson Space Flight Center in Houston, provides aspiring explorers a chance to propose, design and fabricate a reduced gravity experiment Selected teams will get to test and evaluate their experiment aboard a microgravity aircraft The specially modified jet aircraft flies approximately 30 roller-coaster-like climbs and dips to produce periods of micro and hyper-gravity, ranging from weightlessness to three times the force of Earth's gravity

"This project gives students a head start in preparing for future ventures by allowing them to do hands-on research and engineering in a truly reduced gravity laboratory," Program Manager Douglas Goforth said

Interested teams also should submit a letter of intent by Sept 22 This step is optional, but serves as an introductory notice that a team plans to submit a proposal for the competition All applicants must be U S citizens Full-time students must be at least 18 years old

NASA will announce the selected participants on Dec 8 The actual flights will take place in summer 2011 Selected teams may invite a full-time, accredited journalist to fly with them and document the experiment and gravity-defying experience

With this program, NASA continues its tradition of investing in the nation's education programs with the goal of strengthening the future workforce

To learn more about NASA's education programs, visit:

http://www nasa gov/education

For more information about the Reduced Gravity Education Flight Program or to submit a proposal, contact jsc-reducedgravity@nasa gov or visit:

http://microgravityuniversity jsc nasa gov

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