NASA Events
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in California's Mojave Desert
NASA will host an event for 65 of its social media followers on Oct. 15, 2012, at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in California's Mojave Desert. From the first planetary encounters, the first human landing on the moon, to missions that reach the farthest points in our solar system, Goldstone has been there to bring home the critical data, images, and science. The Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex is one of three Deep Space Network (DSN) complexes around the world. The complex was established to provide the ability to communicate with spacecraft, not only in orbit around the earth, but also in the farther reaches of our solar system.
NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to:
- Tour the Goldstone Complex
- Travel to Apollo Valley to see the historic Apollo antenna and the 34 meter Beam Waveguide Cluster antennas
- Take a trip to Mars Valley, home of the large 70 meter Mars antenna (230-ft dish), the 34 meter Uranus antenna and Signal Processing Center 10, the Spacecraft Operations Control Center
- Meet and interact with scientists, engineers, and other team members from NASA and Goldstone
- Learn about the historical significance of Goldstone and its part of the Deep Space Network (DSN), the missions supported and what makes Goldstone unique within the DSN.
- View and take photographs of the complex
- Meet fellow space enthusiasts who are active on social media
- Meet members of NASA's social media teams
Registration for the NASA Social opened
at noon EDT Wednesday, Aug. 29, and closes at noon EDT Friday, Aug. 31 noon EDT on Friday, August 31, 2012 and closed at noon EDT on Tuesday, September 4, 2012.
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 at the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex that they are encouraged to share with others through their favorite social networks.
How do I register?
NASA Social registration opens at noon EDT Wednesday, Aug. 29, and closes at noon EDT Friday, Aug. 31 noon EDT on Friday, August 31, 2012 to noon EDT on Tuesday, September 4, 2012. NASA will
randomly select participants from online registrations. NASA accepts 65 participants,
with 50 others on a wait list. Registration is for one person, aged 18 and over
only, and is non-transferable. Because this event takes place at a facility
with restricted areas, registration is limited to U.S. citizens.
Do I need to have a social media account to register?
Yes. This event is designed for active social media users who follow NASA missions on Twitter (@NASA, @NASASocial, etc.), Facebook (NASA) or Google+ (NASA). The goal of NASA Social is to allow people who 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 @NASASocial
and via posts to Facebook
and Google+.
What are the registration requirements?
Registration indicates your intent to travel to the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex in the Mojave Desert (near Barstow), Fort Irwin, San Bernardino County, California, and attend the events 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 is not responsible for loss or damage incurred if the event is cancelled with limited or no notice. Please plan accordingly.
Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex is a government facility. Those who are selected will need to complete an additional registration step to receive clearance to enter secure areas. To be admitted, Fort Irwin will require your state driver’s license number and show a government-issued identification with a photo that matches 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?
No, the Goldstone NASA Social cannot accept registrations from non-U.S. citizens.
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 the event?
If you cannot come to California to attend in person, you should not register for this NASA Social. You can follow the conversation using the #NASASocial hashtag on Twitter. NASA may broadcast a portion of the NASA Social.
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 on or around Friday, Sept. 7 Tuesday, Sept. 11.
If you do not make the registration list for this NASA Social, you can still participate in the conversation online.
Does registration for and/or attendance at the NASA Social qualify me for media accreditation?
Your NASA Social registration and/or attendance do not qualify you for news media credentials at any NASA field 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 information about Goldstone, visit: http://www.gdscc.nasa.gov