Washington, DC- The Washington Space Business Roundtable announces that Eddy Hartenstein, Corporate Senior Executive Vice President for Hughes Electronics and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DIRECTV, will be the keynote speaker for WSBR’s Annual Luncheon Wednesday, February 26, 2003, from 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in Room 20 on the Main Level of the Washington Convention Center.  The event is held each year during PBI Media’s satellite trade show.

Introducing Hartenstein will be Congresswoman Jane Harman(D-CA), a leading member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and its Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee.

In conjunction with the luncheon, WSBR will be hosting a silent auction to raise funds for scholarships forWashingtonarea youth with demonstrated excellence in math and science and interest in pursuing careers in aerospace.  Donated prizes include a trip for two toFrench Guianato observe an Ariane launch, a DIRECTV system, rides on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and F/A22 Raptor Demonstrators, Redskins tickets, dinner at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, conference registrations for the National Space Symposium, Satellite 2004 and SkyFORUM, and many more exciting items.

Washington Space Business Roundtable (WSBR)was organized as a non-profit association in 1986 and is dedicated to facilitating dialogue on the economic and business aspects of the global space industry.  WSBR meets its mission by providing monthly forums for leaders ofU.S.and international space companies, professional firms, government agencies and academic institutions to meet and discuss issues pertinent to the future development of the space industry.

Media Contacts: Diane Murphy: 202-662-1280
Penelope Longbottom: 703-534-0885

Event Contact: La Rene Tondro:703-522-7745 orwsbr@erols.com