Dwayne Brown Headquarters, Washington, DC July 2, 2001 (Phone: 202/358-1726) RELEASE: 01-134 NASA PUTS AMERICA'S INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION OUT OF THIS WORLD The Nation's largest Independence Day celebration will be joined by visitors from outer space -- not aliens, but NASA's International Space Station crew, orbiting more than 200 miles above the Earth. The two NASA members of the space station crew will send their "out of this world" birthday message, reflecting on the birth of America, during the 4th of July gala concert beginning at 8 p.m. EDT from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC. "This annual concert and fireworks display has evolved into the premier celebration of patriotism," said Joseph H. Rothenberg, Associate Administrator for Space Flight, NASA Headquarters, Washington, DC. "We're glad NASA and the hardworking crew on board the International Space Station have an opportunity to help mark the pioneering spirit that makes this 225th birthday celebration possible." Spectacular video images from space will be shown on large screens as the National Symphony Orchestra performs "2001, A Space Odyssey." Music from a variety of entertainers will be followed by the traditional finale of fireworks over the Washington Monument. More than half a million people are expected to travel to the Mall in downtown Washington to attend the festivities. The event can be seen live on PBS and will be heard in stereo over National Public Radio. Armed Forces Radio and Television Networks also will carry the celebration. The Expedition Two crew is made up of Russian Commander Yury Usachev and American Flight Engineers Jim Voss and Susan Helms. Additional information on "A Capitol Fourth," the International Space Station and the Expedition Two crew, is available on the Internet at: http://www.pbs.org/capitolfourth/ http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/ -end-