NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NASA is inviting social media users to apply for credentials to attend the March 1 launch for the next cargo resupply flight to the International Space Station by Space Exploration Technologies (SpaceX). The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is targeted to liftoff at 10:10 a.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

A maximum of 50 social media users will be selected to attend the event and will be given the same access as news media in an effort to align the experience of social media representatives with those of traditional media. NASA Social media accreditation for the SpaceX launch opens at noon EST Thursday, Feb. 14. International social media users without U.S. citizenship must apply for credentials by 5:00 p.m. EST Friday, Feb. 15, to qualify. For U.S. social media, the deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. EST Friday, Feb. 22. All social media accreditation applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to:

• View the launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket
• Meet and interact with representatives from NASA and SpaceX
• Meet fellow space enthusiasts who are active on social media
• Meet members of NASA's social media teams

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What are NASA Social media credentials?
Social media credentials give users a chance to apply for the same access as journalists in an effort to align the access and experience of social media representatives with those of traditional media. People, who actively collect, report, analyze and disseminate news on social networking platforms are encouraged to apply for media credentials. Selection is not random. All social media accreditation applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Those chosen must prove through the registration process they meet specific engagement criteria.

How do I register?
Registration opens to U.S. citizens and foreign nationals at noon EST Thursday, Feb. 14. International social media users without U.S. citizenship must apply for credentials by 5:00 p.m. EST Friday, Feb. 15, to qualify. For U.S. social media, the deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. EST Friday, Feb. 22. 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 hashtag #NASASocial. Updates and information about the event will be shared on Twitter via @NASASocial and via posts to Facebook and Google+.

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?
Yes. Foreign nationals 18 years of age or older may register for this event prior to 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, Feb. 15.

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 Feb. 28. You can watch the launch on March 1 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 event, don't despair; NASA is planning others in the near future. Check for future events at http://www.nasa.gov/social.

When will I know if I am selected?
After registrations have been received and processed, an 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. 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 Feb. XX, 2013. If the launch date changes, NASA and SpaceX may adjust programming accordingly to coincide with the new target launch date. NASA will notify registrants of any changes by email.

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 this NASA Social qualify me for media accreditation?
No, your registration and/or attendance, does not qualify you for news media credentials at NASA now or in the future.

Have a question not answered here? Need more information? Help is available by sending an email to NASA Social Media