NASA astronaut Mario Runco will discuss his work with the International Space Station and how the Station can provide unique views of Earth during the "Space Station Today" webcast, Thursday from Noon- 12:30 p.m. CST.

A production of NASA's Digital Learning Network, the event will give students a chance to ask Runco questions about his spaceflight missions, the Space Station and his position as the science and use lead for the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF).

The WORF, used in conjunction with the U.S. Laboratory Module's science window, will expand the Earth observation capability of the Station beyond simple photography. Views from the Station, combined with other remote sensing technologies employed by NASA, will help meet the agency's goal of better understanding and protecting Earth.

Remote-sensing technology has been extremely valuable in areas such as disaster preparedness and mitigation, ocean health monitoring, weather prediction, forest and agricultural management and land use planning.

To view the webcast and for information about space flight on the Internet, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/spaceflight

For information about NASA education programs on the Internet, including the Digital Learning Network, visit: http://education.nasa.gov

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