Should the International Space Station have a module named after Joss Whedon's Firefly-class ship? Blogger Laura McConnell takes a look at NASA's public vote on the name of Node 3:

NASA May Send Serenity Into Space

The International Space Station already houses a DVD box set of Firefly and a copy of Serenity in its entertainment collection. That’s quite a tribute but now NASA may elevate Joss Whedon’s cult classic to an even greater status; one previously attained only by the immortal Star Trek itself.

Trekkies have long held the honor, and rightfully so, of naming this planet’s first space shuttle. While the twentieth century’s Enterprise never actually touched space, she paved the way for many to leave this earth, thus living up to her legendary name.

Now, Browncoats have their chance to make history. Node 3, a new module for the International Space Station, is scheduled to be delivered to the complex in December 2009. NASA is asking the public to vote on a name for the new section, and Serenity is one of the candidates.

Node 3 will house many of the laboratory’s life support systems as well as the station’s waste and hygiene compartment, where astronauts can shower and use the bathroom. New systems will allow the water used in these activities to be almost 100% recycled, thus greatly reducing the need for supply runs from Earth.

But this baby isn’t all about the down and dirty necessities of life. She’s got a bit of style, too.

NASA describes another part of Node 3 like this: "The cupola’s six rectangular windows and one circular window overhead will show a panoramic view that will be unrivaled by any other spacecraft ever flown."

So, Node 3 will be essential to space station operations, and though a good deal of her job might seem a little grungy, she’ll have a great view. Seems to me that the name Serenity fits just right.

Voting on the new name will remain open until March 20, 2009, and the winning name will be announced sometime in April.

For pictures, the full article, and a chance to vote on the new name, visit the official site.

This blog was written by Laura McConnell, one of our new volunteer bloggers, who'll begin contributing regularly from later in the month. Read more about some of our contributors in the next issue of SFX, on sale Wednesday 11 March.

Who isn't a Firefly fan? Will you be voting for Serenity as the name of the Node 3? Or do you have some better alternatives? Comments below as always...