Press Release

First-Ever Spanish-Language Interactive Online Chat With NASA Astronaut Carlos Noriega From the Space Shuttle Endeavour

By SpaceRef Editor
December 6, 2000
Filed under ,

Univision Online,
Inc., the online subsidiary of Univision Communications Inc. , announced that on December 10, 2000, beginning at approximately
3:00 p.m. EST, Univision.com will host the first-ever Spanish-language
interactive online chat with National Aeronautics and Space
Administration (NASA) astronaut Carlos I. Noriega from the Space
Shuttle Endeavour, docked at the International Space Station. The
event, which can be accessed at www.univision.com, will include live
audio and video feeds. Participants are invited to submit questions in
Spanish prior to the event via e-mail at chatespacial@univision.com.
The live webcast will be hosted by Univision News Anchor Maria
Antonieta Collins and will be re-broadcast throughout the week.

“We are thrilled to provide the Hispanic community with the
first-ever Spanish-language interactive online chat from space,” said
Diego Ruiz, Vice President and General Manager of Univision Online.
“Colonel Noriega is a genuine role model and his accomplishments are a
shining example of what can be achieved through determination and hard
work. He is the embodiment of a success story worthy of emulation and
we are delighted to introduce him to our audience through this
ground-breaking technological event.”

This project represents NASA’s most complicated construction
mission to date. As one of two astronauts performing space walks,
Noriega’s role is vital in the installation of the $600 million solar
panels that will provide the much needed electrical power for the
space station. As a highly trained specialist, Noriega’s involvement
is critical to the development and success of the mission.

Born in Lima, Peru in 1959, Lt. Colonel Noriega is a graduate of
the University of Southern California. He holds a Master of Science
degree in both computer science and space systems operations from the
Naval Postgraduate School. A highly respected astronaut and
serviceman, Lt. Colonel Noriega has received a number of
commendations, including Defense Superior Service Medal; Defense
Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with Combat Distinguishing
Device; Air Medal (Strike Flight Award); Navy Achievement Medal; and
NASA Space Flight Medal. In addition, Noriega served as a Space
Surveillance Center Commander, and has logged approximately 2,200
flight hours in various fixed and rotary wing aircraft as well as over
221 hours in space, traveling 3.6 million miles in 144 orbits of the
earth.

Leveraging the power of the Univision Television Network,
America’s leading Spanish-language broadcaster, Univision.com has
created an all-encompassing Internet site that combines star power, a
strong sense of community, compelling editorial content, and
e-commerce opportunities. Univision.com provides U.S. Hispanics with
an unparalleled online forum that entertains, educates and empowers
all Latinos to come together as a community and express themselves.
The portal is designed to appeal to the 33 million Hispanic Americans
who represent the country’s fastest growing online community.

Univision.com is a comprehensive content- and service-rich
Spanish-language internet service catering to the dynamic U.S.
Hispanic population. Univision.com includes three distinct, but
closely integrated components: an Internet portal featuring four
branded information channels, including original and exclusive news,
entertainment, sports, and life resources; a branded shopping channel
offering a full range of e-commerce merchandising; and facilitated
access to this material through an Internet Service Provider (ISP),
which can also be obtained through low-cost, financed pre-packaged
PCs.

SpaceRef staff editor.