Social media users are invited to register to attend the Orion Ascent Abort 2 (AA-2) Test from Space Launch Complex 46 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) in Florida. This test, currently targeted for Tuesday, July 2 will take less than three minutes and will demonstrate the Launch Abort System can safely send the Orion capsule a safe distance from a failing rocket if an emergency arises during ascent to orbit.
If your passion is to communicate and engage the world via social media, then this is the event for you! Seize the opportunity to be on the front line to blog, tweet or Instagram everything about the Ascent Abort 2 Test.
A maximum of 55 social media users will be selected to attend this two-day event, and will be given access similar to news media.
NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to:
- View the Launch Abort System test
- Tour NASA facilities at Kennedy Space Center
- Speak with representatives from NASA
- Meet fellow space enthusiasts who are active on social media
NASA Social registration for the AA-2 Test opens on this page on May 23 and the deadline to apply is on May 29 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. All social 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 hashtag #NASASocial. 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?
Registration for this event opens May 23 and closes at 11:59 p.m. EDT on May 29. Registration is for one person only (you) and is non-transferable. Each individual wishing to attend must register separately. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
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.
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. We expect to send the first notifications on June 5 and waitlist notifications on June 11.
What are NASA Social credentials?
All social applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Those chosen must prove through the registration process they meet specific engagement criteria.
If you do not make the registration list for this NASA Social, you still can attend the test offsite and participate in the conversation online. Find out about ways to experience a launch at https://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 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.
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.
IMPORTANT: To be admitted, you will need to provide two forms of unexpired government-issued identification; one must be a photo ID and match the name provided on the registration. Those without proper identification cannot be admitted. For a complete list of acceptable forms of ID, please visit: https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/i-9_poster_acceptable_documents_2014_04_23.pdf?emrc=50f09c
All registrants must be at least 18 years old.
What if the test date changes?
Hundreds of different factors can cause a scheduled test date to change multiple times. NASA will notify registrants of any changes by email.
If the test is postponed, attendees will be invited to attend a later test date. NASA cannot accommodate attendees for delays beyond 72 hours.
NASA Social 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.
What if I cannot come to the Kennedy Space Center?
If you cannot come to the Kennedy Space Center and attend in person, you should not register for the NASA Social. You can follow the conversation using the #NASASocial hashtag on Twitter. You can watch the test on NASA Television, www.nasa.gov/live. NASA will provide regular test and mission updates on @NASA and @NASAKennedy.
If you cannot make this NASA Social, don’t worry; NASA is planning many other Socials in the near future at various locations! Check back on https://www.nasa.gov/social for updates.