Avid social media users are invited to apply for one of 30 NASA Social credentials to see NASA test a mission scenario of an Orion spacecraft and its crew splashing down in the Pacific Ocean after a deep space mission. The spacecraft has been undergoing a series of water impact tests to help engineers understand how to best protect the crew and spacecraft when they return to Earth from deep space missions. The test is currently targeted for 3:30 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Aug. 25, at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The social media event will start at 8 a.m. and end after the drop test occurs.
NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to:
- Witness a high-fidelity Orion test article, coupled with the heat shield from Orion’s first flight in space and enclosed with test dummies in spacesuits, drop into NASA Langley’s 20-foot-deep Hydro Impact Basin
- Tour NASA Langley facilities
- See one of the places where astronauts like Neil Armstrong trained to land on the moon
- Meet subject matter experts working on the Orion spacecraft to help enable NASA’s journey to Mars
- Meet fellow space enthusiasts who are active on social media
Registration opens on this page today. For U.S. citizens active on social media, the deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. EDT on Tuesday Aug. 2, 2016. All social media accreditation applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
How do I register?
Registration opens on this page today. For U.S. citizens active on social media, the deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. EDT on Tuesday Aug. 2, 2016. All social media accreditation applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Do I need to have a social media account to register?
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 traditional 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 hashtags #NASASocial and #JourneytoMars. Updates and information about the event will be shared on Twitter via @NASASocial, @NASA_Orion, and @NASA_Langley and via posts to Facebook and Google+.
What are the registration requirements?
Registration indicates your intent to travel to NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, and attend the drop test 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 is not responsible for loss or damage incurred as a result of attending. NASA, moreover, is not responsible for loss or damage incurred if the event is cancelled with limited or no notice. Please plan accordingly.
NASA Langley 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 one government-issued identification, 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 of the security deadlines, registration is limited to U.S. citizens. If you have a valid permanent resident 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 Virginia?
If you cannot come to Langley to attend in person, you should not register for the NASA Social. You can follow the conversation using the #NASASocial hashtag on Twitter. NASA will provide regular test updates on @NASA, @NASA_Langley and @NASA_Langley.
If you cannot make this event, don’t despair; NASA is planning others in the near future. Check for future events at https://www.nasa.gov/social
When will I know if I am selected?
After registrations have been received and processed, a notification email will be send out to inform you whether or not you have been selected for NASA social media accreditation. Those selected will be required to complete an additional step before being accredited. We will send notifications upon approval.
If you do not make the registration list for accreditation, you can still attend the launch and participate in the conversation online.
What if the test time and/or date changes?
Weather or technical reasons can cause a scheduled test to change. If the test time or date changes, NASA will notify registrants of any changes by email.
Attendees are responsible for any additional costs they incur related to any test delay. We strongly encourage participants to make travel arrangements that are refundable and/or flexible.
Does registration for and/or attendance at this NASA Social qualify me for news media accreditation?
No, your registration and/or attendance does not qualify you for news media credentials at NASA now or in the future.