Kirsten Williams
Headquarters, Washington, DC                     September 10, 1999
(Phone:  202/358-0243)

NOTE TO EDITORS: N99-48

HISTORIC SPACE SHUTTLE CREW COMES TO WASHINGTON

     The crew of Space Shuttle mission STS-93, whose recent flight
featured the first female commander, Eileen Collins, and the
deployment of the world's most powerful x-ray telescope, will visit
Washington Sept. 13-16, participating in three events open to media
coverage.

     The crew will kick off the week's activities with NASA
Administrator Daniel Goldin, Congressman Matt Salmon of Arizona and
former astronaut Buzz Aldrin in an anti-drug program at 2:30 p.m.
EDT, Sept. 13, at Stuart-Hobson Middle School, 400 E St., NE,
Washington, D.C.  Participants will discuss the dangers and
consequences of drug use and unveil a new Web site featuring NASA
material used to convey an anti-drug message.  Media interested in
attending should contact Brian Dunbar, NASA Public Affairs, at
(202) 358-0873.

     Crewmembers will share their mission experiences with NASA
Headquarters employees from 2 to 3 p.m. EDT, Sept. 14. Seating will
be first-come, first-served; to make arrangements to attend,
contact Kirsten Williams at (202) 358-0243.

     The astronauts will discuss the significance of space
exploration and share unique perspectives from their flight as part
of a luncheon presentation Sept. 16 at the National Press Club, 529
14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. The luncheon begins at 12:30 p.m.,
the presentation at 1 p.m.

     To obtain luncheon tickets for the Press Club event, media
representatives should call Pat Nelson at (202) 662-7539.
Credentialed reporters may cover the luncheon without buying a
luncheon ticket.  Call Kirsten Williams, NASA Public Affairs, at
(202) 358-0243 for details.


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