On May 13, we invited the public to join the very first virtual NASA Social for SpaceX’s first crewed test flight for NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. This was 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. On May 30, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched Dragon Endeavour from Launch Complex 39A at agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley arrived safely to the International Space Station.
Now it’s time for Dragon Endeavour to return home.
NASA and SpaceX are targeting 7:34 p.m. EDT Saturday, Aug. 1, for undocking of the Dragon Endeavour spacecraft from the space station and 2:42 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, for splashdown, which will be the first return of a commercially built and operated American spacecraft carrying astronauts from the space station.
As we prepare for activities leading up to, during, and following the return of the agency’s SpaceX Demo-2 test flight, we invite the public to join us again and take part in the virtual NASA Social.
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.
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
- Interact with NASA representatives in real time.
- Virtually view the undocking and splashdown of Dragon Endeavour
All social applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Not on Facebook but still interested in joining?
There are lots of ways that you can participate in the #LaunchAmerica mission!
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: By applying to the group, you are explicitly agreeing to the group’s rules as set forth by NASA. All membership questions must be answered to be accepted to the group.
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 https://www.nasa.gov/social for updates.