FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How does the YourNameIntoSpace website work?

This website allows you to place an image, logo, or text on the inner or outer surface of a research spacecraft that will orbit the Earth for five weeks. Click tell me more to view images of the satellite and to select the zone that you would like your image or text to occupy. After you accept the terms of a legal agreement, the site allows you to choose how many square centimeters your content should occupy. Once you upload your submission and enter your credit card details, those square centimeters will be reserved for you. Your submission will be reviewed and you will receive confirmation by email.

Who runs this website? Who is designing the spacecraft?

YourNameIntoSpace.org is an initiative of the Mars Gravity Biosatellite program. Researchers, scientists and students from around the world have contributed to the design and development of the Mars Gravity Biosatellite. The project is a collaboration between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Georgia Institute of Technology Space Systems Design Lab. The Center for Hypersonics at the University of Queensland in Australia, and the Aeronautics and Astronautics Department at the University of Washington have also worked closely on the project in previous years.

The Mars Gravity Biosatellite will help us conduct ground-breaking research critical to the future of space exploration. This mission will provide the first data on how mammals are affected by long-term exposure to Mars-level gravity - which is about one-third that of Earth's gravity. It's a critical first step towards human missions to Mars and beyond.

Why are you inviting the public to put pictures and messages on your satellite?

YourNameIntoSpace.org is a fundraising effort. Additional funding will allow MIT, Georgia Tech and partner institutions to complete construction of the spacecraft much more quickly, bringing the benefits of this research to the world as soon as possible. This site is a unique way to offer individuals, families, small organizations and corporations the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come together and participate in a ground-breaking mission to advance space exploration. The shared human dream of discovery and adventure is not limited to astronauts and rocket scientists - YourNameIntoSpace.org provides a chance for the broader community to be involved with a serious space research initiative.

Why should I want to have my logo/name/photograph featured on your satellite?

You can elect to have your name and uploaded content featured on the Current Sponsors page. This page will remain online at least until July 2011.

Before, during and after the mission you will be able to download photographs of your image or text on the satellite. If you select an Bronze or Silver zone (on the outside of the satellite) your spot will be imaged during assembly and will also be photographed as the satellite orbits in space with the Earth in the background.

If you select area in the Gold G1 (reentry) zone, at the end of the mission you will additionally receive your own authentic piece of satellite hardware - featuring your image or text that was actually flown in space!

Your spot on the satellite can provide you with a tax-exempt way to raise awareness of your company or organization, or it can make for a unique memento, or a surprise gift for a loved one. Additionally, by featuring your content on the satellite, you have a chance to participate in a landmark mission that supports valuable research and education.

Are there any content restrictions for upload submissions?

You can place logos, pictures, signatures, names or other text on your area of the satellite. While standard logos are perfectly acceptable, direct endorsements cannot be put on the satellite. If Stacy's Bakery has a logo that proclaims, 'Stacy's Cakes are out of this World!' - then Stacy can put this content on the satellite. However, Stacy cannot upload this message unless it is part of her standard business logo. All submissions are reviewed on a case by case basis. Offensive or inflammatory material is declined.

Why is the minimum area set at 1 square centimeter?

Anything smaller than one square centimeter will be too small to be seen with the cameras, or to make an effective, displayable keepsake for your wall or desk.

Is my payment tax-exempt?

Yes! Your payment supports a tax-exempt mission, and will count as a donation towards a valuable research project.

What will my money be used for?

Your money will be used to help complete and launch the YNIS scientific research spacecraft. Specifically, it will fund the engineering and construction of spacecraft hardware - including research, software development, spacecraft testing and launch.

What's so exciting and unique about this project?

The YNIS satellite involves ground-breaking research critical to the future of space exploration. This mission will provide the first data on how mammals are affected by long-term exposure to a reduced level of gravity, a critical first step towards human missions to other planets. Before humankind can explore other worlds we must understand the effects of reduced gravity on mammalian life. More information is at Mission Stats.

How long will the satellite be in orbit?

The satellite will orbit the Earth for five weeks, after which it will land in Utah.

When will the satellite launch?

The launch is expected to take place in approximately 2010.

How long will the site be online?

YourNameIntoSpace.org will be maintained from now until the satellite has been launched and safely recovered. The sponsor page will remain online until at least July 2011.

Who can I contact if I have more questions?

Please visit the contacts page.