Checkmate in Space: The NASA Chess Challenge

William Atkins
Friday, 26 September 2008 21:31

Science - Space

Heather Rarick, NASA lead flight director for the International Space Station Expedition 17 mission, states, “For the past 10 years, the International Space Station has been an important platform to learn about living in space."

She adds, "We're excited to have the opportunity to engage not only young students, but the public at large in this unique chess match.”

Rarick is based out of the Johnson Space Center (Houston, Texas), the location of primary ground support for the ISS.

USCF executive director Bill Hall adds, “We hope the excitement and interest this game generates will inspire students to become interested in chess.”

He continues, “Chess is a valuable tool to lead students to become interested in math and to develop critical thinking skills, objectives we focus on in our work with schools nationwide."

So, all you chess players out there on Earth, go to http://www.uschess.org and prepare for the first chess match ever played both on Earth and in Space.

May the best team win!

In other words: Go Earth!!