NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Kimberly W. Land
(757) 864-9885
k.w.land@larc.nasa.gov

RELEASE: 00-075

Martial-arts actor Jackie Chan CONNECTs with NASA

     International martial-arts and action-comic star, Jackie Chan will guest star in NASA Langley’s CONNECT TV series on Monday, Sept. 25, 2000.  Chan will also appear in the NASA "Why?" Files program as the they shoot on location at Langley’s 7 X 10 high speed wind tunnel, one of over 30 wind tunnels at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.

B-roll/photo Opportunity and Press Conference:
An opportunity to shoot b-roll and take photos during the taping of the shows with Chan will begin at 11 a.m., followed by a brief press conference at 12:30 p.m. at 17 West Taylor Street at NASA Langley Research Center, in Hampton, Va.  Media who wish to attend should contact Kimberly Land at (757) 864-9885 for exact locations.

     Well known throughout the world, Chan started his screen career over 20 years ago with a series of Chinese martial-arts hits, including "Drunken Master" (1978), "The Fearless Hyena" (1979), and "Half a Loaf Kung Fu" (1980).  His fame quickly spread to the United States with the release of "Rumble in the Bronx," grossing $10 million the first weekend and soaring to number one at the box office.

     Chan’s most popular U.S. hit is "Rush Hour" (1998), an action-comedy film produced in the States.  It features Chan as a Chinese police officer on an exchange program working with a savvy Los Angeles detective played by Chris Tucker.  His most recent release, "Shanghai Noon," appeared this year.  His major accomplishments include winning a Lifetime Achievement Award from the 1994 MTV Movie Awards.

     Visiting the states is a rare occasion for Chan, and even rarer for NASA Langley.  "Chan is delighted to participate in your educational programs," says his publicist.  "Any program that is beneficial to students is always top priority to Jackie."  NASA CONNECT is a series of 30-minute instructional programs, that demonstrate how math, science and technology are used everyday by NASA engineers and scientists.  NASA’s "Why?" Files is a 60-minute video divided into four 15-minute "teachable" episodes made available for teachers in grades 3-5.  Both shows are produced by the Office of Education at NASA Langley and are designed to increase scientific literacy and improve math and science skills for elementary and middle school students.  The shows also support national math, science and technology standards.

     Earlier this summer, two NASA CONNNECT programs received two Capitol Region Emmy Awards.  NASA CONNECT and "Why?" Files air on public television (PBS) stations and can be down-linked from the satellite, on the Internet and are available on video.

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