MOREnet Supports Columbia Aeronautics and Space Administration (CASA) Simulated Space Mission from Hickman High School

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thursday, Feb. 02, 2006

Contact: Megan Gill Telephone: (573) 823-0522

Columbia, Missouri (February 02, 2006) – A space program, even a simulated one, requires cutting-edge communications technology to succeed, and the Missouri Research and Education Network (MOREnet) is providing just that for the Columbia Aeronautics and Space Administration (CASA).

February 6-11 is the annual CASA simulated space mission at Hickman High School in Columbia, Mo, where the organization is based. MOREnet is providing assistance with video streaming and providing videoconferencing support for the mission.

CASA participants will videoconference with the Johnson Space Flight Center in Houston, Texas, the University of Missouri – Rolla, and a number of other institutions during the simulation. The combination of video streaming and videoconferencing allows virtually any school district to participate, according to MOREnet Video Services Manager Pat Hunt.

The 2006 simulation marks the first year that CASA is streaming both video and audio, according to Hickman teacher Fred Thompson, who oversees the CASA program. MOREnet staff have also mentored CASA student participants in operating and managing videoconferencing, Thompson said.

"We are so proud to be able to support these kinds of exciting projects for our members," said MOREnet Executive Director Bill Mitchell.
MOREnet Video Services offers one of the largest video conferencing networks in the education world, managing approximately 330 events a week and connecting more than 1100 sites across Missouri per week.

About MOREnet

MOREnet links Missouri to a world of knowledge through a statewide research and education network.

Schools, public libraries, academic institutions and state agencies linked to the network have access to a secure broadband Internet connection, staff training, technical support and electronic resources, making equitable access possible across Missouri.