Well, this is all kinds of interesting and sad at the same time.

The interesting part : NASA just announced they are taking electronic images of people’s faces “into orbit aboard one of the final remaining space shuttle missions.” You can upload any photo you want at NASA’s FACE IN SPACE site. If you don’t have a photo, you can just have them “fly your name” instead.

The sad part: This is as close as I’m ever going to get to going up in the space shuttle. (Dammit!)

Here’s the press release with info on where and how to upload your photo of choice…

———————————————-

MEDIA ADVISORY: M10-091

NASA INVITES THE PUBLIC TO PICTURE THEIR “FACE IN SPACE”

HOUSTON — NASA is inviting members of the public to send electronic images of their faces into orbit aboard one of the final remaining space shuttle missions.

Visitors to the “Face in Space” website can upload their portrait to fly with the astronauts aboard shuttle Discovery’s STS-133 mission and/or shuttle Endeavour’s STS-134 mission. Participants will receive special certificates from the Internet site once the mission is completed.

“The Space Shuttle Program belongs to the public, and we are excited when we can provide an opportunity for people to share the adventure of our missions,” said Space Shuttle Program Manager John Shannon. “This website will allow you to be a part of history and participate as we complete our final missions.”

To submit your image, visit: http://faceinspace.nasa.gov

Those without a picture can skip the image upload section, and NASA will fly their name.

Discovery and Endeavour’s missions are the final two flights remaining until the retirement of the space shuttle fleet. They are targeted to launch in September and November, respectively. For more information about the STS-133 and STS-134 missions, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle