WASHINGTON – On Thursday, Jan. 17, the chairman and chief executive officer of Google, Eric Schmidt, will be the featured speaker for part of a lecture series honoring NASA’s 50th anniversary. Schmidt will discuss the benefits of technology, innovation and space exploration as part of a luncheon beginning at 12:30 p.m. EST at the Newseum, 555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington. U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon of Tennessee will introduce Schmidt.

The event is open to news media. Reporters may participate in a question and answer session immediately following the lecture. NASA television will broadcast the event live at:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

Media should R.S.V.P. by calling 703-556-4861 or e-mailing LM_NASA@hayespr.com.

NASA was created by the National Aeronautics and Space Act and began operations on Oct. 1, 1958. The 50th anniversary NASA lecture series features prominent speakers to discuss the benefits that space exploration, scientific discovery and aeronautics research provide in addressing global issues such as the economy, education, health, science and the environment. Lockheed Martin Corporation of Bethesda, Md., is co-sponsoring the two-year lecture series.

For more information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov