ESA holds mission-naming competition

PARIS, Sept. 11 (UPI) -- European Space Agency astronaut Frank De Winne is to begin a six-month stay at the International Space Station in May and the ESA wants to name the mission.

The ESA said it will hold a competition to name De Winne's mission that will include scientific experiments developed by scientists from European countries and others worldwide. He will also perform technology demonstrations and an education program.

"De Winne's ISS mission reflects the long-term commitment of Europe to human spaceflight and exploration," the European Space Agency said. "ESA's participation in the ISS program is a stepping stone for Europe in human exploration of the universe."

The naming competition is open to all citizens of ESA member states -- Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The winning name will become the official European name of the mission and the winner will receive a frame with the mission logo signed by European astronauts.

Competition rules are available at http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMMFMP4KKF_index_0.html