NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CHANNEL AND LEXUS BRING GLOBAL EVENT "LIVE FROM SPACE" DOWN TO EARTH WITH INNOVATIVE SECOND SCREEN EXPERIENCE AND SOCIAL CAMPAIGN

Live Event Hosted by Soledad O'Brien Premieres Friday, March 14, at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT From the International Space Station and NASA Mission Control in Houston

(WASHINGTON, D.C. - Feb. 21, 2014) Giving new meaning to putting "the whole world in your hands," National Geographic Channel, in partnership with presenting sponsor Lexus, will launch a multiscreen and social program that will blast viewers into orbit for the upcoming television event Live From Space. The digital program will include an innovative second screen experience, a robust website and a campaign using Instagram that will earn some lucky users the chance to have a question answered by the astronauts during the live broadcast.

Ever wanted to ask an astronaut what it's like to live and work in space? Beginning Feb. 18, get that chance by posting a video question to the astronauts on Instagram using #HelloFromEarth. A few of those video questions will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to receive a personal video response from the astronauts during the March 14 live broadcast. Stumped on a question, but still want to show the astronauts your appreciation? Snap a photo of your wave hello to them and post using the same hashtag, and it will be part of the Live From Space community on the interactive website and second screen experience.

Is Bruno Mars the biggest artist around the world? Do people in Germany love dancing Gangnam Style as much as those in South Korea? A unique Live From Space second screen experience will seek to answer those questions by creating a real-time global cultural telescope using social media data and trends. The ISS orbits Earth every 90 minutes, meaning during the Live From Space broadcast, National Geographic Channel will literally take viewers on a trip around the world. As the ISS makes its voyage above, the second screen experience will allow users to explore the hottest music, food, places and cultural trends for the places below its orbital path. The results may reveal some unexpected global connections. The second screen website is a multiplatform experience optimized for PCs, tablets and smartphones.

For everything else about the ISS that you could possibly want to know, the final digital piece is the dynamic website at www.LiveFromSpace.com, also launching on Feb. 18. Through photo galleries, articles, videos and timelines the site will take a deeper look into the technologic and scientific innovations onboard the floating laboratory, and the intense training that enables the astronauts' stellar performance.

"We wanted to bring the excitement of Live From Space down to earth with digital products that would engage, entertain and educate viewers," said Hayes Tauber, SVP of consumer marketing for National Geographic Channel. "We think the interactivity we've developed will find an audience with space nuts and couch potatoes alike."

"As a brand rooted in innovation, we are thrilled to be part of such a forward-thinking programming event that celebrates pushing boundaries and furthering human advancement," said Teri Hill from Lexus. "This commitment aligns with Lexus' vision of combining connected technologies to create an amazing experience."

Additional elements of Lexus' sponsorship include in-show integration, development of two custom pieces of short-form content around the themes of innovation and performance that will debut during the live broadcast, and social activation.

The spectacular, groundbreaking two-hour television event Live from Space, hosted by Soledad O'Brien, will be broadcast live from the ISS and NASA Mission Control in Houston on March 14, 2014, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. With unique access to and footage from the ISS and Mission Control, we'll go into orbit with astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Koichi Wakata from the ISS, while astronaut Mike Massimino (most notably known for fixing the Hubble Telescope) will keep us grounded with O'Brien live from Houston. Live From Space will air on National Geographic Channel in 170 countries, and on Channel 4 in the U.K. It will also simulcast on NGC's Spanish-language network in the U.S., Nat Geo MUNDO.

Live From Space follows the premiere of the highly anticipated Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey earlier in the week on Sunday, March 9, at 10 p.m. on 10 U.S. networks including Fox, National Geographic Channel, FX, FXX, FXM FOX Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo Mundo and Fox Life. Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey will also air on Monday, March 10, on National Geographic Channel with bonus content and behind the scenes footage. Live From Space premieres Friday, March 14.

Live From Space is created by Arrow Media. Creative director and executive producer at Arrow Media is Tom Brisley; Arrow Media executive producers are Al Berman and Sally Dixon. For National Geographic Channel, executive producer is Madeleine Carter; vice president of production is Char Serwa; senior vice president, production & development is Noel Siegel; executive vice president of programming and strategy is Heather Moran; and president is Howard T. Owens.

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National Geographic Channels

Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channels US are a joint venture between National Geographic and Fox Cable Networks. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education with smart, innovative programming and profits that directly support its mission. Launched in January 2001, National Geographic Channel (NGC) celebrated its fifth anniversary with the debut of NGC HD. In 2010, the wildlife and natural history cable channel Nat Geo WILD was launched, and in 2011, the Spanish-language network Nat Geo Mundo was unveiled. The Channels have carriage with all of the nation's major cable, telco and satellite television providers, with NGC currently available in over 83 million U.S. homes. Globally, National Geographic Channel is available in 435 million homes in 173 countries and 37 languages. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com.

About Lexus

Lexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers. Lexus is now going beyond its reputation for high-quality vehicles with the integration of innovative technology, emotional exterior and interior designs, and engaging driving dynamics and performance. With five models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers six F SPORT models and two F models, including the LFA supercar, for top-of-the-line performance. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 233 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.