Astronaut to announce space module name on The Colbert Report
Last Updated: Monday, April 13, 2009 | 11:22 AM ET
CBC News
Comedian Stephen Colbert's name garnered more than 230,000 votes on the NASA website. (Jason DeCrow/Associated Press)NASA says it will announce the name of its new module at the international space station on Comedy Central's The Colbert Report.
There's much anticipation about the name as it was comedian Stephen Colbert who spearheaded the effort to name the module "Colbert" through a public online poll on NASA's website.
"I certainly hope NASA does the right thing. Just kidding. I hope they name it after me," Colbert said in a release.
The Emmy-winning performer plays a right-wing host and commentator on his satiric TV show.
Colbert beat out NASA's four recommended options — Serenity, Legacy, Earthrise and Venture — when voting ended March 20.
His surname grabbed more than 230,000 votes, with Serenity second at about 190,000.
The space agency does have an out. Its contest rules say voting results "are not binding to NASA, and NASA reserves the right to ultimately select a name" in keeping with its best interests.
Astronaut Sunita Williams will appear on the program Tuesday to announce the name selected.
