Name That Satellite

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Have you ever named a space mission? Well, here's your chance. NASA announced today that they're looking for help from the public to rename their upcoming Gamma-ray Large Area Space Telescope (GLAST) before it launches in mid-2008.

Think you've got a good idea for a name? Here's what the mission's going to be doing:

  • Explore the most extreme environments in the universe, where nature harnesses energies far beyond anything possible on Earth
  • Search for signs of new laws of physics and what composes the mysterious dark matter
  • Explain how black holes accelerate immense jets of material to nearly light speed
  • Help crack the mysteries of the stupendously powerful explosions known as gamma-ray bursts
  • Answer long-standing questions about a broad range of phenomena, including solar flares, pulsars and the origin of cosmic rays

So, come up with a name that's very high-energy. Send in the name along with a statement of 25 words on why you like your idea to NASA's "Name That Satellite".

Click here to access the website.

You've got until March 31, 2008, so get thinking.

NASA News Release

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain

Fraser Cain is the publisher of Universe Today, founding the website in March 1999. He's also the co-host of Astronomy Cast.