Geronimo Villanueva/Nasa An artists impression of the ancient ocean on Mars, which lasted for billions of years more than was previously thought. Credits: Mars Geronimo Villanueva/Nasa

A massive ancient ocean once covered nearly half of the northern hemisphere of Mars making the planet a more promising place for alien life to have gained a foothold, Nasa scientists say.

The huge body of water spread over a fifth of the planets surface, as great a portion as the Atlantic covers the Earth, and was a mile deep in places. In total, the ocean held 20 million cubic kilometres of water, or more than is found in the Arctic Ocean, the researchers found.

Unveiled by Nasa on Thursday, the compelling evidence for the primitive ocean adds to an emerging picture of Mars as a warm and wet world in its youth, which trickled with streams, winding river deltas, and long-standing lakes, soon after it formed 4.5bn years ago.

The view of the planets ancient history radically re-writes what many scientists believed only a decade ago. Back then, flowing water was widely considered to have been a more erratic presence on Mars, gushing forth only rarely, and never forming long-standing seas and oceans.

A major question has been how much water did Mars actually have when it was young and how did it lose that water? said Michael Mumma, a senior scientist at Nasa Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.

Writing in the journal, Science, the Nasa team, and others at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Munich, provide an answer after studying Mars with three of the most powerful infra-red telescopes in the world.

The scientists used the Keck II telescope and Nasas Infrared Telescope Facility, both in Hawaii, and the ESOs Very Large Telescope in Chile, to make maps of the Martian atmosphere over six years. They looked specifically at how different forms of water molecules in the Martian air varied from place to place over the changing seasons.

Martian water, like that on Earth, contains standard water molecules, made from two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and another form of water made with a heavy isotope of hydrogen called deuterium. On Mars, water containing normal hydrogen is lost to space over time, but the heavier form is left behind.

When normal water is lost on Mars, the concentration of deuterium in water left behind goes up. The process can be used to infer how much water there used to be on the planet. The higher the concentration of deuterium, the more water has been lost.

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NASA finds evidence of a vast ancient ocean on Mars

Are we there yet?

NASA's Dawn spacecraft will reach the dwarf planet Ceres on Friday after what has been a nearly eight-year long journey through space. When the probe reaches its destination and inserts itself into its orbit, it will be the first time a space mission has successfully visited a dwarf planet.

The mission is expected to continue for 16 months as researchers analyze data about Ceres, which is thought to be icy and possibly contain an ocean. Studying the dwarf planet could yield new insights into how the solar system has progressed.

"Studying Ceres allows us to do historical research in space, opening a window into the earliest chapter in the history of our solar system," Jim Green, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division said in a statement. "Data returned from Dawn could contribute significant breakthroughs in our understanding of how the solar system formed."

Ceres is located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

As Dawn moved closer to Ceres, the probe was able to send photos back to Earth making out a gray, round mass in space. Each photo became clearer as Dawn closed in on the dwarf planet -- and offered stunning new details of the dwarf planet's cratered surface.

It's Dawn's second rendezvous in the area. The spacecraft first explored the asteroid Vesta in 2011 and 2012 before moving along on its journey to Ceres.

NASA will make another house call to a second dwarf planet, Pluto, when the New Horizons probe reaches its destination this summer.

It's been a banner year for "firsts" in space exploration as scientists continue to seek clues that could help them unlock some of the seemingly never-ending mysteries of the universe.

Last November, the European Space Agency celebrated a successful Rosetta mission as it landed a probe on the comet 67P, nearly 300 million miles from Earth.

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NASA Readies For Historic Visit to Dwarf Planet Ceres

The Mars rover Curiosity is sitting stationary as NASA engineers try to figure out what caused a short circuit on its robotic arm.

The Mars rover Curiosity is sitting stationary -- all work paused -- as NASA engineers try to figure out what caused a short circuit on its robotic arm.

NASA is hoping to get the arm operating again in a few days, but engineers are still searching for the cause of the problem, said NASA spokesman Guy Webster.

"I'm not sure where the short is, but we've been doing some testing," Webster told Computerworld.

NASA initially reported Tuesday that an onboard fault-protection action had stopped the robotic rover from working on Feb. 27 while it was in the process of transferring sample materials from a device on the rover's robotic arm to onboard laboratory instruments.

At the time, Curiosity, which is looking for evidence that Mars once could have supported life, sent information back to NASA indicating it had sustained a transient short circuit. Engineers immediately began diagnostic work.

"We are running tests on the vehicle in its present configuration before we move the arm or drive," said Curiosity Project Manager Jim Erickson, of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, in a statement. "This gives us the best opportunity to determine where the short is."

This is not the first long-distance software fix for Curiosity. In November 2013, the rover was knocked into safe mode when a problem occurred shortly after the rover received a software upgrade.

Curiosity has been working at the base of Mount Sharp, which has been the rover's destination since it landed on Mars in August 2012.

The rover first explored the area around its landing site, where it found evidence of an ancient river flow and lake beds.

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NASA seeks cause of Mars rover's short circuit

Mysterious Ceres Images Perplex NASA
Source: http://www.cnn.com/videos/ March 02, 2015 - CNN #39;s Rachel Crane looks at Ceres, a mysterious dwarf planet, as NASA #39;s Dawn spacecraft closes in. PigmineNews.com: ...

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Mysterious Ceres Images Perplex NASA - Video

Dawn Nears Ceres - Approach Images, Movies and Animations
NASA #39;s Dawn mission will arrive at Ceres on March 6, 2015, and will be the first spacecraft to explore a dwarf planet. Ceres is the largest body in the main asteroid belt. At the time of its...

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Dawn Nears Ceres - Approach Images, Movies and Animations - Video

NASA #39;s Dawn Mission Pre- Close Approach News Briefing
NASA #39;s Jet Propulsion Laboratory hosted a Pre- Close Approach News Briefing on March 2 to discuss the March 6 arrival of the agency #39;s Dawn spacecraft to the dwarf planet Ceres. The news briefing...

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NASA's Dawn Mission Pre- Close Approach News Briefing - Video

Destination Dwarf Planet: The Dawn Mission Nears Ceres #Nasa
On March 6, the Dawn spacecraft will slip into orbit around Ceres, a dwarf planet located in the main asteroid belt. This mission marks the first time a dwarf planet has been visited by a spacecraf...

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Destination Dwarf Planet: The Dawn Mission Nears Ceres #Nasa - Video

BP: Nasa 6,000 residenteng nasunugan sa Parola Compound sa Tondo, Maynila, nananawagan ng tulong
Balita Pilipinas Ngayon rounds up the top stories from around the PhilippinesGMA #39;s regional stations in Luzon, Visayas, and MIndanao. It #39;s hosted by Mark Salazar and Maki Pulido and airs...

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BP: Nasa 6,000 residenteng nasunugan sa Parola Compound sa Tondo, Maynila, nananawagan ng tulong - Video

Nasa training tank Raymond manuvering around obsticles 1 25 15
Description.

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Nasa training tank Raymond manuvering around obsticles 1 25 15 - Video

NASA is celebrating the 100th birthday of the United States' original aeronautics program today with photos showing what the dream of flight looked like a century ago.

Founded on March 3, 1915, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, called NACA, focused on innovation in aeronautics including the creation of the retractable landing gear, jet engine compressors and turbines, among other technologies.

The mission, according to NASA administrator Charles Bolden was to "supervise and direct the scientific study of the problems of flight with a view to their practical solution."

Starting with a small budget and no payroll, the committee grew into a powerhouse around World War II, developing cutting edge aeronautics technology that helped lead American troops to victory overseas.

NASA

PHOTO: This photo of a NACA hangar taken in 1953 shows the YF-84A (NACA 134/Air Force 45-59490) used for vortex generator research in the foreground.

It wasn't until the 1950s that the reality of space travel came into the picture. All 7,500 NACA employees became part of the newly formed National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or what we commonly call NASA.

NASA

PHOTO: The first meeting of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) in the Office of The Secretary of War, April 23, 1915

The influence of NACA can be seen today in "streamlined aircraft bodies, quieter jet engines, techniques for preventing icing, drag-reducing winglets and lightweight composite structures are an everyday part of flying thanks to research concepts and tools that trace their origins to the NACA," Bolden said in a statement celebrating the milestone anniversary.

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NASA Celebrates 100th Birthday of America's First Flight Program

Synopsis - Feb 28, 2015 General Information Solicitation Number: NNK15GUMKE_SSPF_Lab_Conv Posted Date: Feb 28, 2015 FedBizOpps Posted Date: Feb 28, 2015 Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No Original Response Date: Mar 13, 2015 Current Response Date: Mar 13, 2015 Classification Code: Y -- Construction of structures and facilities NAICS Code: 236220 Contracting Office Address NASA/John F. Kennedy Space Center, Procurement, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 Description SSPF Lab Conversion Contracting Office Address NASA/John F. Kennedy Space Center, Procurement, Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 Description SOURCES SOUGHT NOTICE Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) Lab Conversion INTRODUCTION The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) at the John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is seeking capability statements from all interested parties, including Large, Small, Small Disadvantaged (SDB), 8(a), Woman-owned (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), Veteran Owned (VOSB), Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SD-VOSB), and Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) businesses for the purposes of determining the appropriate level of competition and/or small business subcontracting goals for Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) Lab Conversion project at Kennedy Space Center, Florida 32899. The Government reserves the right to consider a Small, 8(a), Woman-owned (WOSB), Service Disabled Veteran (SD-VOSB), or HUBZone business set-aside based on responses hereto. The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code for this procurement is 236220, titled "Commercial and Institutional Building Construction", with a size standard of $36.5 million. Estimated award date for this contract is May - July 2015, with a project period of performance of approximately 175 calendar days. Estimated award amount is between $500,000 and $1,000,000 and is intended to be awarded to one company as a firm-fixed price contract. SCOPE OF WORK The work for this project includes but is not limited to the following activities at the SSPF tech shop: Converting the 2,760 square foot SSPF tech shop into a laboratory facility. The tech shop is a separate building that is attached to the SSPF and is fully enclosed and environmentally controlled. Renovations will include modifying the tech shop into three separate spaces consisting of one hardware lab and two science labs. The three lab spaces will total approximately 1,909 square feet with the remaining space left over for corridors, restroom, janitor's closet, and a storage room. A new DX unit will be installed with a separate HEPA filtration box. Each lab will be provided with a variable air volume box with an electric heating coil and room mounted thermostat. These systems will be controlled by a building automation system that is subsequently tied into the KSC center-wide monitoring system. New electrical panel boards will be installed in the labs to serve the outlets and equipment. New fluorescent lighting fixtures will be installed with dual-switching for high/low levels. New ceiling mounted speakers will be installed in the labs corridors and wired to the existing system terminals. Modifications to the existing potable water system will be necessary to provide service to the new restroom, janitor's closet, safety stations, and lab sinks. Electric point of use water heaters located throughout the facility will provide the hot water. A new drain, waste and vent system will also be installed. The exterior walls are comprised of a metal wall panel system. The only modifications to these walls will include the removal of the existing overhead coiling door and replacing that space with new metal wall panels. The existing fire sprinkler system consists of exposed piping and fire sprinklers at the roof level. This system will be modified to install new piping above the new drop ceilings and new fire sprinkler at the ceiling level supplied by the existing riser and remove the current piping and sprinklers. Existing fire alarm pull stations and bell/strobes will be removed, relocated and added per code. The scope of work includes civil, architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection disciplines. CAPABILITY STATEMENT It is requested that interested business firms having the capabilities necessary to meet or exceed all aspects of the effort described herein, submit to the contracting office a capabilities statement demonstrating ability to perform the services listed above. The capability statement shall be no more than ten (10) pages in length and printed in not smaller than 12 point type. A page is defined as one side of an 8-1/2 inch x 11 inch sheet of paper, with at least a one inch margin on all sides. The submission may be submitted on single or double sided sheets, but shall not exceed the 10 page limitation. Each 8-1/2 inch x 11 inch page will be considered 1 page when printed on one side and considered 2 pages when printed on both sides. The capabilities statement will consist of as a minimum, the following: 1 page cover sheet referencing Source Sought Notice "NNK15GUMKE_SSPF_Lab_Conv", Capabilities Statement "SSPF Lab Conversion". And; 4 pages discussing: 1. Company Name, DUNS Number, Address, and Primary Point of Contact (E-mail address and phone number). 2. Business size and number of employees. Specifically state whether your company is a large or small business in NAICS Code 236220. Description of principal business activity; number of employees; and specifically identify if you are a HUBZone small business, a service-disabled veteran owned small business, an economically disadvantaged woman-owned small business, or an 8(a) small business. 3. Financial Capability Provide bonding capacity indicating your company's single and aggregate bonding capability. Provide the most current Balance Sheet and Income Statement, and the company's average annual revenue for the past 3 years. 4. Experience Provide the number of years in business and summary of relevant work performed in the previous 5 years. Construction experience of similar projects in size, scope, complexity, and dollar amount are considered relevant. Provide a brief description of each project to include: project title, dollar value of work performed, point of contact to include phone number and email address, indicate if you were the prime or a subcontractor and if you were a subcontractor include the percentage of self-performed work. Relevant experience for the purposes of this Notice can be defined as, but not limited to, the following: a. The contractor shall have demonstrated experience with HVAC installation and automation. b. The contractor shall have demonstrated experience with the renovation and set-up of clean working area labs, including electrical and water installations. Remaining pages can be used to further elaborate on experience or testing lab information. Capability statements must be submitted electronically, via e-mail, to Randall Gumke, NASA Contract Specialist, at the following email address: randall.a.gumke@nasa.gov no later than 4PM EDT on March 13, 2015 and in the subject line state "SSPF Lab Conversion and [Company Name]. NASA/KSC will review all responses that comply with the submission instructions using the following criteria: breadth, depth and relevancy of experience as it relates to the work described above. NASA does not plan to respond to individual responses and does not intend to post information or questions received to any website or public access location. DISCLAIMER: This Sources Sought Notice is for planning purposes only, subject to FAR Clause 52.215-3, entitled "Request for Information or Solicitation for Planning Purposes". It does not constitute a Request for Proposal, Invitation for Bid, or Request for Quotation, and it is not to be construed as a commitment by the Government to enter into a contract. Moreover, the Government will not pay for the information submitted in response to this Notice, nor will the Government reimburse an offeror for costs incurred to prepare responses to this Notice. This invitation to submit capability packages is for the purpose of determining the appropriate level of competition and/or small business subcontracting goals for a potential KSC acquisition. Respondents will not be notified of the results of the evaluation. No solicitation exists at this time; therefore, do not request a copy of the solicitation. If a solicitation is released it will be synopsized in the Federal Business Opportunities Website, FedBizOpps, (https://www.fbo.gov/ ) and on the NASA Acquisition Internet Services, NAIS, (http://prod.nais.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/nais/index.cgi ). It is the potential offeror's responsibility to monitor these sites for the release of any solicitation or synopsis. Failure to respond to this notice does not exclude any interested party from future consideration for proposals which may be announced or solicited by NASA. Point of Contact Name: Randall Gumke Title: Contract Specialist Phone: 321-867-3322 Fax: 321-867-1166 Email: randall.a.gumke@nasa.gov Name: Robert J Glanowski Title: Contract Specialist Phone: 321-867-7345 Fax: 321-867-1166 Email: robert.glanowski@nasa.gov

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NASA KSC Solicitation: Space Station Processing Facility Lab Conversion

Synopsis - Mar 03, 2015 General Information Solicitation Number: NNH15ZDA00XC-Amendment-1 Posted Date: Mar 03, 2015 FedBizOpps Posted Date: Mar 03, 2015 Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No Original Response Date: Mar 09, 2015 Current Response Date: Mar 09, 2015 Classification Code: A -- Research and Development NAICS Code: 541712 Contracting Office Address NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA Headquarters Acquisition Branch, Code 210.H, Greenbelt, MD 20771 Description The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Mission Directorate (SMD) is releasing a Cooperative Agreement Notice (NNH15ZDA00XC) entitled NASA SMD Science Education, Amendment 1. This Amendment delays the due date for Notice of Intent to March 9, 2015, to allow more time for those affected by recent weather-related events. The full text of the CAN can be found by going to http://nspires.nasaprs.com/ choosing Solicitations, then Open Solicitations, and searching for NNH15ZDA00XC. The goal of NASA SMD Science Education is to enable NASA scientists and engineers into the learning environment more efficiently and effectively for learners of all ages. This CAN is to meet the following NASA SMD Science Education Objectives: Enabling STEM education, improving U.S. science literacy; advancing National education goals; and leveraging science education through partnerships. NASA intends to select one or more focused, science discipline-based team(s). While it is envisioned that multiple agreements may be awarded, selection of a single award to support all of SMD science education requirements is not precluded. Awards are anticipated by September 30, 2015. Issuance of this CAN is dependent on programmatic factors, including NASA receiving an appropriation and operating plan containing adequate funding within the NASA budget. Any costs incurred by prospective investigators in preparing submissions in response to this CAN are incurred completely at the submitter's own risk. Programmatic questions regarding this solicitation should be submitted no later than 15 days prior to the proposal due date by e-mail using the character string "Science Education CAN" (without quotes) included in the subject line of all transmissions. The identity of those submitting comments will be held in confidence. Answers to questions about this Announcement and Frequently Asked Questions from the draft CAN text are available on the website at https://nspires.nasaprs.com/ . Note that it is the responsibility of interested proposers to check for such information prior to the submission of their proposals. Programmatic questions should be submitted to: Point of Contact Name: Kristen Erickson Title: Science Mission Directorate Phone: 202-258-2165 Fax: 202-358-3892 Email: CANsci-ed@hq.nasa.gov

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NASA Cooperative Agreement Notice: Science Mission Directorate Science Education

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY LUNAR SURFACE MANIPULATION SYSTEM HEAVY LIFTING AND PRECISE POSITIONING DEVICE: LAR-17528 Synopsis - Mar 02, 2015 General Information Solicitation Number: TT-01104 Posted Date: Mar 02, 2015 FedBizOpps Posted Date: Mar 02, 2015 Recovery and Reinvestment Act Action: No Original Response Date: Mar 02, 2016 Current Response Date: Mar 02, 2016 Classification Code: 99 -- Miscellaneous NAICS Code: 927110 Set-Aside Code: Contracting Office Address NASA/Langley Research Center, Mail Stop 12, Industry Assistance Office, Hampton, VA 23681-0001 Description NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses. THE TECHNOLOGY: Scientists at NASA Langley Research Center have a novel lifting and precision positioning device with hybrid functional characteristics of both crane-type lifting devices and robotic manipulators. The design of the Lunar Surface Manipulation System (LSMS) allows for fine positioning with complete control over both translation and rotation of the payload. In addition, the design permits several other operations using a wide variety of special purpose tools, such as a bucket, pallet forks, grappling devices, sensor and visualization packages, and dexterous robotic arms that can be quickly added to the tip. NASA is seeking development partners and potential licensees. NASA Langley developed the LSMS because of the need for a versatile system capable of performing multiple functions on the lunar surface, such as unloading components from a lander, transporting components to an operational site and installing them, and supporting service and replacement during component life. Current devices used for in-space operations are designed to work on orbit (zero g) only and thus do not have sufficient strength to operate on planetary surfaces. Traditional cranes are specialized to the task of lifting and are not capable of manipulator-type positioning operations. The innovations incorporated into the LSMS allow it to lower payloads to the ground over a significant portion of the workspace without use of a hoist, functioning like a robot manipulator, thus providing a rigid connection and very precise control of the payload. The LSMS uses a truss architecture with pure compression and tension members to achieve a lightweight design. The innovation of using multiple spreaders (like spokes in a wheel) allows the LSMS to maintain its high structural efficiency throughout its full range of motion. Rod portions of the tension members automatically lift off and re-engage the spreaders as the joint articulates, allowing a large range of motion while maintaining mechanical advantage. In addition, the LSMS uses a quick-change device at the tip end that enables automated acquisition of end effectors or special purpose tools to increase its versatility. U.S. patent 7,878,348. To express interest in this opportunity, please respond to LaRC-PatentLicensing@mail.nasa.gov with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this FBO notice and your preferred contact information. Please also provide the nature of your interest in the technology along with a brief background of your company. For more information about licensing other NASA-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal at http://technology.nasa.gov/ . These responses are provided to members of NASA Langley's Office of Strategic Analysis and Business Development "OSACB" for the purpose of promoting public awareness of NASA-developed technology products, and conducting preliminary market research to determine public interest in and potential for future licensing opportunities. If direct licensing interest results from this posting, OSACB will follow the required formal licensing process of posting in the Federal Register. No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this Notice. Point of Contact Name: Jesse C Midgett Title: Program Specialist Phone: 757-864-3936 Fax: 757-864-8314 Email: j.midgett@nasa.gov

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NASA LaRC Tech Transfer: Lunar Surface Manipulation Heavy Lifting and Precise Positioning Device

C E R E S and Aliens Mothership-Original NASA Footage 3D
C E R E S and Aliens Mothership-Original NASA Footage 3D Top Secret NASA Footage http://www.ceres2014.tr.gg 3D Photos LINK:http://ceres2014.tr.gg/CERES-Photo...

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C E R E S and Aliens Mothership-Original NASA Footage 3D - Video

NASA's Dawn spacecraft will reach the dwarf planet Ceres on Friday in what has been a nearly eight year journey.

When the probe reaches Ceres and inserts itself into its orbit, it will be the first time a space mission has successfully visited a dwarf planet, according to NASA. Ceres is located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.

"Studying Ceres allows us to do historical research in space, opening a window into the earliest chapter in the history of our solar system," Jim Green, director of NASA's Planetary Science Division said in a statement. "Data returned from Dawn could contribute significant breakthroughs in our understanding of how the solar system formed."

Launched in 2007, Dawn first explored the asteroid Vesta in 2011 and 2012 before moving along on its journey to Ceres. Dawn began approaching Ceres in December and has sent back the highest ever resolution photos seen of the dwarf planet, revealing a crater-like surface appearance that scientists are eager to learn more about.

JPL-Caltech/NASA

PHOTO:Ceres rotates in this sped-up movie

Once Dawn reaches its second destination on Friday, the mission is expected to continue for 16 months as researchers analyze data about Ceres, which is thought to be icy and possibly contain an ocean -- possibly yielding new clues about the formation of the solar system.

The spacecraft uses ion propulsion engines to power it through its long journey in space.

NASA will make another house call to a second dwarf planet, Pluto, when the New Horizons probe reaches its destination this summer.

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NASA's Dawn Nears Dwarf Planet Ceres

Flat Earth NASA Hoax Theory Debunk SLAMDUNK
Summary: For accuracy, long range shooters, artillery, and ICBMs must account for Earth #39;s rotation- the coriolis effect. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouOYAlcvwOQ Anyone may observe that...

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Flat Earth & NASA Hoax Theory Debunk SLAMDUNK - Video

NASA astronauts on the International Space Station will speak with students and faculty from the School for the Talented and Gifted (TAG Magnet) at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center in Dallas at 12:15 p.m. EST (11:15 a.m. CST) Thursday, March 5.

The 20-minute Earth-to-space call will be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's website.

Students will have the opportunity to speak with Expedition 42 station commander Barry Butch Wilmore and flight engineer Terry Virts. Prior to the space chat, the students will spend time learning more about research aboard the station with Roderick Heelis and John Hoffman, two distinguished researchers from the physics department at University of Texas-Dallas.

Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, will join the TAG Magnet students and participate in the conversation from the school.

Media interested in covering the event must contact Yinka Robinson in Johnsons office at 202-226-3393 orOlayinka.Robinson@mail.house.gov. The Dallas Independent School Districts Townview Center is at 1201 East Eighth Street, Suite 302.

Wilmore and Virts are among six space station crew members currently in orbit. The pair recently completed three spacewalks to begin outfitting the station for the arrival of commercial crew spacecraft in 2017.

This in-flight education downlink is an integral component of NASAs education strategy to improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics teaching and learning in the United States. Linking students directly to astronauts aboard the space station provides them with a unique, live experience of space exploration, space study and the scientific components of space travel and possibilities of life in space.

The exact time of the downlink could change.

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NASA Astronauts on Space Station to Speak Live with Dallas Students

AP Photo/NASA/JPL-Caltech/UCLA/MPS/DLR/IDA This Feb. 19, 2015 image shows the swarf planet Ceres provided by NASA, taken by the agency's Dawn spacecraft from a distance of nearly 29,000 miles (46,000 kilometers). It shows that the brightest spot on Ceres has a dimmer companion, which apparently lies in the same basin, seen at center of the image. Dawn is preparing to rendezvous with the largest object in the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter, scheduled to go into orbit Friday, March 7 after a three-year journey. Dawn is about 590 miles (950 kilometers) in diameter.

PASADENA, Calif. A NASA spacecraft is preparing to rendezvous with the largest object in the asteroid belt located between Mars and Jupiter.

The Dawn craft is on target to slip into orbit around the dwarf planet Ceres on Friday after a three-year journey. It'll be the second stop for Dawn, which earlier visited the asteroid Vesta.

Dawn has been snapping pictures of Ceres as it nears the Texas-sized object. Sharper images are expected in the coming months as Dawn spirals closer to Ceres' surface.

Launched in 2007 and powered by ion propulsion, Dawn is the first craft to target two space rocks to learn about the solar system's evolution.

Dawn studied Vesta, the second massive object in the asteroid belt, from 2011 to 2012 and beamed back more than 30,000 images.

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NASA spacecraft nearing its second stop dwarf planet Ceres

NASA Airbrush Team Screws Up Again
NASA has a department dedicated to making sure nothing like this is seen by the public. I guess they need to have a talk with those people. Speaking is Dr. E...

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NASA Airbrush Team Screws Up Again - Video

NASA Research: Megadroughts Projected For American West
Unprecedented droughts are forecast for the western US by new research. SUBSCRIBE! to our channel if you like climate videos. See our full report on this res...

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NASA Research: Megadroughts Projected For American West - Video