Follower’s of my Facebook page may be aware that I’m a keen (but fumbling) chess player, so this is of special interest to me:  The second last space shuttle mission, launching 29 April, will include Greg Chamitoff and Greg H. Johnson in its crew.  The two Greg’s have packed a chess set, and have challenged the citizens of Earth to a rematch of the first Earth vs Space chess match which was played in 2008.  This game of chess in space will be coordinated by the United States Chess Federation, and Earth player will pool their efforts on a website set up especially for the space chess game.

Earth won the first match, and it seems the odds may be stacked against the astronauts for the rematch.  According to Greg Chamitoff, “I have to admit it will be a challenge because we have an extremely busy flight ahead of us.”  But it’s probably best for us not to get complacent – Earth’s honour is at stake!