NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden Jr. will address a National Press Club luncheon on July 1, one week before the final scheduled space shuttle launch. Discussing America's continued commitment to leadership in human spaceflight, Bolden will also speak about NASA's plans to extend human presence beyond low-Earth orbit.

Astronaut Mark Kelly, who commanded the last flight of the Endeavour shuttle and is the husband of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, will be among the administrator's guests at the head table, along with NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver.

Bolden flew aboard the space shuttle four times between 1986 and 1994, twice as commander.

His flights included deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope and the first joint U.S.-Russian shuttle mission, which featured a cosmonaut as a member of his crew.

Bolden also had a long career with the Marine Corps and was a member of NASA's Astronaut Office for 14 years.

The July 1 luncheon will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. Administrator Bolden's remarks will begin just after 1:00 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session. Advance reservations should be made through (202) 662-7501 or [email protected].

Luncheon admission is $18 for National Press Club members, $29 for their guests, and $36 for the general public.

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