NASA astronauts challenge public to Earth vs space chess match

Two NASA astronauts, who will launch into space on Friday, are challenging the people of Earth to a chess rematch.

Greg Chamitoff and Greg H Johnson will play the game during their 14-day space shuttle flight to the International Space Station. The US Chess Federation (USCF) will facilitate the match on its website.

NASA and the USCF hosted the first Earth vs space match in 2008 when Chamitoff lived aboard the International Space Station.

The public won that match thanks to help from chess champions at Stevenson Elementary School in Bellevue, Wash.

"Chess is a great game that challenges the mind and helps young people develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well in math, science, and all aspects of their future careers," said Chamitoff.

At the site, the public can suggest or vote on a chess move. The USCF will decide how to respond to the astronauts' moves. NASA and USCF will use Twitter and Facebook to notify participants about the status of the game and when to vote on moves.

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

"We hope to do better in this Earth vs space match," said Chamitoff.

"But, I have to admit it will be a challenge because we have an extremely busy flight ahead of us," added Chamitoff.