From the International Space Station, Chiao will cast his vote in the Nov. 2, 2004, national election. Chiao is passionate about his civic duty. He hopes his ballot sets an example for others. From space, he has sent a special message to all eligible voters urging them to go to the polls. His get out and vote public service announcements will air on the NASA TV Video File starting today at noon EDT.

"A few years ago, the Texas State Legislature passed a bill allowing astronauts to vote from space," Chiao said from aboard the Space Station. "Why did they go to so much trouble for just a few people? Because voting is each citizen's most basic, yet most powerful tool for participating in America's cherished right to choose its leaders."

Chiao is only a few days into a six-month mission as commander of the tenth crew of the International Space Station. His Expedition 10 crewmate is Russian Cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov.

NASA TV is available on the Web and via satellite in the continental U.S. on AMC-6, Transponder 9C, C-Band, at 72 degrees west longitude. The frequency is 3880.0 MHz. Polarization is vertical, and audio is monaural at 6.80 MHz. In Alaska and Hawaii, NASA TV is available on AMC-7, Transponder 18C, C-Band, at 137 degrees west longitude. The frequency is 4060.0 MHz. Polarization is vertical, and audio is monaural at 6.80 MHz.

For NASA TV information and schedules on the Internet, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv