Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign country request the packages? Due to the method of shipping the disk along with limited number of disks available, it is NASA's policy to loan these packages only within the United States.
How long is the loan period for? The standard loan period is two weeks.
When will my package arrive? The packages are sent registered restricted mail through the United States Post Office. We do not know the exact day the packages will arrive; however, they normally take 7-10 days. Therefore, we mail the packages 10 days in advance.
My package has arrived early. Do I have to send it back early? No, you loan period is for the time period on your loan agreement. If your package only took 5 days to arrive, you can still keep the package until your loan period ends.
Can I keep the package longer than the two week period? Because of the limited amount of disks available, we ask that you keep to the two week loan period. If for some reason you are unable to send the package back at the specified time, you need to get approval PRIOR to keeping the package. If you do not send the package back at the time specified, another person might not be able to get the package when they requested it. This could effect if you will approved for another request.
Can the disks be stored at the safe in my home? At NO TIME are the disks allowed to go to your home. If you are having difficulty finding a safe at your facility, please check with your local police department or bank.
Can I receive the packages in two weeks? It is best to request your package at least 6 weeks in advance. Remember, we have to have the loan agreement and security plan with the original signatures. Also, the packages are mailed 10 days before the loan period begins. A two week lead is not enough time to get everything prepared and the packages mailed.
Does my teaching certification count as the NASA certification? No, you have to take the NASA Certification Workshop. The workshops are offered free of charge. If you need to be certified, please contact the NASA AESP in your area.
Is there a charge for using the disks? No, there is no charge for the use of the disks.
I have several teachers at my school that are interested in using the disk. Can we share them? As long as all of the users have been certified, they can utilize them. Just make sure to list all of the users on line 10 of the security plan.
Where do I go to order lithographs and other supplemental teaching aids? You can find these items and more at NASA's Central Operation of Resources for Educators. Select The Education Materials to see a list of products currenly available.
I cannot find the brown paper tape anywhere. Do I have to use it? The packages are REQUIRED to be sent back REGISTERED through the USPS. Because registered packages stamped all over to insure the packages are not opened in transit, the brown paper tape is a "strongly recommended or a requirement" by the United States Post Office, not JSC. The stamps do not adhere to the "glossy" tapes well. JSC recommends contacting the post office you plan on bringing the packages to. Ask if they require the brown paper tape for registered packages. If they do not require it, JSC is ok with you shipping the packages without it. If they do require it, and they do not have any try Staples Office Supply, Office Depot or Office Max.