Will ISS Node Be Named "Colbert?" Probably... Not?

Comedian Stephen Colbert has campaigned to get various things named after him... resulting in an eagle, a bridge in Hungary, and an ice cream flavor all bearing the name "Colbert."

But in his latest campign, Comedy Central's late-night comic -- who parodies conservative talk shows -- aimed higher. Fox News reports his write-in campaign to get NASA to name the International Space Station's Node 3 after himself did, indeed, draw 230,000 votes, more than any other name. That includes "Serenity," the highest-ranked NASA suggestion, which came in 40,000 behind Colbert.

To those who say "Serenity" is a more appropriate name -- the other nodes are named "Unity" and "Harmony" -- Colbert retorts, "Serenity? That's not a space station, that's an adult diaper."

NASA officials saw the vote getting out of hand weeks ago, and reminded everyone it's non-binding. But pressure is building to honor the outcome. Congressman Chaka Fattah, a Pennsylvania Democrat, urged NASA to respect the results of the online poll.

Public pressure notwithstanding, NASA seems to be working on a compromise. William Gerstenmaier, NASA's space operations chief, said Saturday, "We have a plan and we're working with some folks. And in a couple of weeks, you'll know what the answer is."

Fox reports its sources say NASA's compromise will be to name Node 3's space toilet, "Colbert."

Regardless of the final outcome, the comedian has made his final plea to NASA. "Either name that node after me, or I too will reject democracy and seize power as space's evil tyrant overlord," he said. "Ball's in your court."

FMI: www.nasa.gov, www.colbertnation.com