May 12, 2020

Join the First Global Virtual NASA Social to Experience the #LaunchAmerica Mission

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As we prepare for SpaceX’s first crewed test flight for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, and the first time we’ve launched American astronauts to the International Space Station from American soil since the end of the space shuttle era in 2011, we are inviting the public to come along for the ride — virtually.

On Wednesday, May 27, 4:33 p.m. EDT, NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 mission will launch from Launch Complex 39A at agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket will launch Crew Dragon, with NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley aboard the spacecraft. It is the final test flight of the system before SpaceX is certified to carry out operational crew flights to and from the International Space Station for NASA.

While we cannot invite the public onsite for one of our usual NASA Social events because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are excited to present an opportunity for people of all ages from all over the world to participate in. This will be our very first global virtual NASA Social.

The #LaunchAmerica NASA Social is taking the form of a Facebook group that any social media user can request permission to join by answering a few simple questions and agreeing to adhere to the guidelines of the group.

NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to:

• Connect virtually with a community of people excited about the #LaunchAmerica mission
• Receive a NASA Social badge that you can share online or print out at home
• Virtually tour NASA facilities at Kennedy Space Center
• Interact with NASA representatives in real time.
• Virtually view a launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket

NASA Social registration for the Crew Dragon launch opens on Facebook on May 13. All social applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Virtual tours will begin two days prior to the launch (May 25 to May 27).

Not on Facebook but still interested in joining?

There are lots of ways that you can participate in the #LaunchAmerica mission!

• Watch the launch and all pre-launch activities on NASA TV, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn
• Share reasons you are excited for the launch on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #LaunchAmerica for a chance to be shared on our social media channels

APPLY NOW

Do I need to have a Facebook account to register for the virtual NASA Social?
Yes. This event is designed for people who:

• Actively use multiple social networking platforms and tools to disseminate information to a unique audience.
• Regularly produce new content that features multimedia elements.
• Have the potential to reach a large number of people using digital platforms.
• Reach a unique audience, separate and distinctive from professional news media and/or NASA audiences.
• Must have an established history of posting content on social media platforms.
• Have previous postings that are highly visible, respected and widely recognized.

Users on all social networks are encouraged to use the hashtag #LaunchAmerica. Updates and information about the event will be shared on Twitter via @NASASocial and @NASAKennedy, and via posts to Facebook and Instagram.

How do I register?
Register for this event on the designated Facebook page beginning on Wednesday, May 13. You’ll need to answer a few questions and agree to follow rules and guidelines. If approved, participants will be added on a rolling basis up until launch. Please note: you must answer the questions and select “agree” or your registration will remain pending.

Can I register if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes! This is the first global NASA Social, and we would love for you to be a part of it.

When will I know if I am selected?
After registrations have been received and processed, you will receive a Facebook notification letting you know that you have been accepted to the group.

What if I don’t have a Facebook account?
If you don’t have a Facebook account, you’re welcomed to watch and participate in the launch by tuning in at 12:15 p.m. EDT on May 27 for the launch broadcast. You can watch live on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn or NASA TV.

What if the launch date changes?
Hundreds of different factors can cause a scheduled launch date to change multiple times. The launch date will not be official until after the Flight Readiness Review on Thursday, May 21. If the launch date changes prior to then, NASA may adjust the date of the NASA Social accordingly to coincide with the new target launch date. NASA will notify registrants of any changes on the Facebook group.

If the launch is postponed, attendees will be able to watch the launch at a later date on the Facebook group.

Check back on http://www.nasa.gov/social for updates.

Last Updated: May 16, 2020

Editor: Thalia Patrinos

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