NASA will launch millions of names into space through a program aimed at encouraging public participation in space exploration.

Anyone can submit their name and their home state or country and be included on a DVD that will launch beyond our solar system as part of NASA's Kepler Mission next year. Participants can include an explanation, of up to 500 words, explaining why they think the mission is important.

NASA has launched names into space before, but the Kepler spacecraft will search for planets in a habitable zone beyond our solar system.

"This mission will provide our first knowledge of Earth-like planets beyond our solar system," Kepler Mission principal investigator William Borucki said in a news announcement.

The names included in the exploration will be recorded on a DVD, mounted outside the spacecraft, posted on the Kepler Mission Web site, and sent to the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum.

Participants will be able to print certificates stating that their name has been included on the list of names launched into orbit around the sun. Participation and the certificates, from the Kepler Mission Web site, are free.

David Koch, deputy principal investigator for the Kepler Mission, said there is no limit on the number of names.

"We're looking for several million names," Koch said in a news announcement. "The only limitation is people's interest."

The launch is planned for February 2009 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 1.

The "Names in Space" effort will mark the International Year of Astronomy 2009, which will recognize Johannes Kepler's publication of his first two laws of planetary motion on the publication's 400th anniversary.

Service Performance Manager will become available by the end of the second quarter of 2008, he said. No pricing was announced.