NASA is seeking formal and informal education organizations to host live in-flight interactive conversations between the next generation of explorers and astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Comprehensive proposals are being accepted for missions scheduled between September 2012 and March 2013. The deadline to submit is Friday, June 1, 2012.

During ISS Expeditions 33 and 34, NASA crew members Sunita Williams, Kevin Ford and Thomas Marshburn will participate in 20-minute question-and-answer sessions with students who will learn what it is like to live and work in space. While participants see and hear the crew members live from space, the crew does not see the audience.

U.S. education organizations including school districts, museums, science centers, national and regional education organizations and local, state and federal government agencies are eligible to participate. Organizations may apply individually or work together. NASA provides this opportunity at no charge to the host institution and will work with the organization to plan the event.

Downlink opportunities are broadcast live on NASA Television and streamed on the NASA website. Due to the nature of human spaceflight operations, organizations must demonstrate the flexibility to accommodate changes in downlink dates and times. Participating organizations also must have two dedicated telephone lines and the ability to receive NASA TV via NASA’s LIMO Channel to communicate with and view the crew.

These unique educational opportunities are made available through Teaching From Space (TFS), a NASA education initiative. TFS will hold several online information sessions about downlinks and the proposal process with interested organizations.

To participate in an online session and obtain information about expectations, content, format, audience, proposal guidelines and forms, send an e-mail to JSC-Teaching-From-Space@mail.nasa.gov or call 281-244-7608.

For more information on the initiative, visit: http://go.usa.gov/Xqt

For more information about NASA education, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/education

For more information about the ISS, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/station