NASA Social: Watch the Launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Rocket and Dragon Spacecraft at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida
First attempt by a commercial company to send a spacecraft to the Space Station
NASA and SpaceX will host a two-day event for 50 social media followers on April 29-30, 2012, at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is targeted to lift off at 12:22 p.m. EDT on April 30, on a mission to become the first commercial company in history to attempt to send a spacecraft to the International Space Station.
NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to:
- view a launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket
- tour NASA facilities at Kennedy Space Center
- speak with representatives from both organizations
- view and take photographs of the SpaceX launch pad
- meet fellow space enthusiasts who are active on social media
- meet members of SpaceX and NASA’s social media teams
Register Now!
What is a NASA Social?
A NASA Social is an informal meeting of people who use social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Participants at this event will be provided a unique in-person experience with SpaceX and NASA, which they are encouraged to share with others through their favorite social network.
Guests will have an opportunity to learn more about NASA’s Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) programwhich spurs innovation and development from commercial companies like SpaceX, learn about the Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 launch vehicle, explore NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and experience a launch.
How do I register?
Registration opens at noon EDT on Thursday, April 5, 2012 and closes at noon on Friday, April 6. Fifty (50) participants will be randomly selected from online registrations. Registration is for one person only (you) and is non-transferable.
Additional registrants will be placed on a waiting list.
Do I need to have a social media account to register?
Yes. This event is designed for active social media users who follow SpaceX and NASA on Twitter (@SpaceX, @NASA,@NASASocial), Facebook (NASA, SpaceX) or Google+ (NASA, SpaceX). The goal of NASA Social is to allow people who regularly interact with each other via social networks to meet in person and discuss space exploration.
Users on all social networks are encouraged to use the hashtag #NASASocial. Updates and information about the event will be shared on Twitter via @SpaceX and @NASASocial and via posts to Facebook and Google+.
If you are not a regular user of social media and just want to see a spacecraft launch, NASA offers other ways to experience a launch. Learn more at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/launchingrockets/viewing.html.
What are the registration requirements?
Registration indicates your intent to travel to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and attend the two-day event in person. You are responsible for your own expenses for travel, accommodation, food and other amenities.
Some events and participants scheduled to appear at the event are subject to change without notice. NASA and SpaceX are not responsible for loss or damage incurred as a result of attending. NASA and SpaceX, moreover, are not responsible for loss or damage incurred if the event is cancelled with limited or no notice. Please plan accordingly.
Kennedy is a government facility. Those who are selected will need to complete an additional registration step to receive clearance to enter the secure areas. To be admitted, you will need to show two government-issued identifications (one with a photo) that match the name provided on the registration. Those without proper identification cannot be admitted. All registrants must be at least 18 years old.
Can I register if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Because portions of this event may take place in restricted areas, registration is limited to U.S. citizens. If you have a green card, you will be processed as a U.S. citizen. Those who are selected will need to complete an additional registration step to receive clearance to enter the secure areas. To be admitted, you will need to show two government-issued identifications (one with a photo) that match the name provided on the registration. Those without proper identification cannot be admitted. All registrants must be at least 18 years old.
Does my registration include a guest?
Because of space limitations, you may not bring a guest. Each registration provides a place for one person only (you) and is non-transferable. Each individual wishing to attend must register separately.
What if I cannot come to Florida?
If you cannot come to Florida to attend in person, you should not register for the NASA Social. You can follow the conversation using the #NASASocial hashtag on Twitter. NASA may broadcast a portion of the program on April 29. You can watch the launch on April 30 on NASA TV or on SpaceX’s website. NASA and SpaceX will provide regular launch and mission updates on @NASA, @NASAKennedy and @SpaceX.
If you cannot make this NASA Social, don’t despair; NASA is planning others in the near future at various locations. Check back on http://www.nasa.gov/social for updates.
When will I know if I am selected?
After registrations have been received and processed, an email with confirmation information and additional instructions will be sent to those selected and those on the waitlist. We expect to send notifications by April 16.
If you do not make the registration list for this NASA Social, you can still attend the launch and participate in the conversation online. Find out about ways to experience a launch at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/launchingrockets/viewing.html.
What if the launch date changes?
Hundreds of different factors can cause a scheduled launch date to change multiple times. The targeted launch date will not be confirmed until after the Flight Readiness Review, which is scheduled for April 16, 2012. If the launch date changes prior to April 29, NASA and SpaceX may adjust the date of the NASA Social accordingly to coincide with the new target launch date. NASA and SpaceX will notify registrants of any changes by email.
If the launch is postponed for 72 hours on April 30, attendees will be invited to attend the launch May 3. NASA and SpaceX cannot accommodate attendees for delays beyond 72 hours.
NASA Social attendees are responsible for any additional costs they incur related to any launch delay. We strongly encourage participants to make travel arrangements that are refundable and/or flexible.
Does registration for and/or attendance at the NASA Social qualify me for media accreditation?
Your NASA Social registration and/or attendance does not qualify you for news media credentials at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, now or in the future.
Have a question not answered here? Need more information? Help is available by sending an email to HQ-social@nasa.gov.
For more information about SpaceX or the Dragon spacecraft, visit:
http://www.spacex.com
