Carlton Fields is featured on a ScubaNauts International Inc. flag that blasted into space this week. The law firm first became involved in the ScubaNauts program by providing the organization with pro bono legal assistance.

NASA's Space Shuttle Endeavor launched early Tuesday.

David Olson of Palm Harbor founded ScubaNauts International in May of 2001 in an effort to introduce young men and women, ages 12-18, to informal science education through underwater exploration, its Web site shows. Now based in St. Petersburg, the organization helps students connect and share cross-cultural common experiences through collaborative marine research expeditions, exploration and scholastic achievement.

ScubaNauts recently completed the project "Operation Deep Climb" in Hawaii. It involved a group of eight teens climbing from sea level to the top of Mauna Kea, more than 13,000 feet. Two of those eight teens also traveled 2,000 feet down in submersibles, and the expedition was filmed for use in a documentary that may be aired on the Discovery Channel.

ScubaNauts is recognizing companies and organizations that have provided significant support and assistance by sending a flag into space with the logos of all of the supporting organizations. In addition to Carlton Fields, other ScubaNaut sponsors include NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment.

There were no details about the financial value of the law firm's pro bono work.