We are inviting social media users to apply for credentials to cover the launch for Orbital ATK’s CRS-9 mission to the International Space Station. The Cygnus cargo spacecraft is scheduled to launch atop an Antares rocket at 5:04 a.m. EDT on May 20, from Pad 0A at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at our Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
A maximum of 50 active social media users will be selected to attend the two-day event May 19-20, 2018 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. Participants should be aware that due to the complexity of these launches, it is possible that Antares could launch at a later date within the May 20-25 window.
NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to:
- View the launch of the Orbital ATK’s Antares rocket
- Meet and interact with representatives from NASA and Orbital ATK
- Tour Wallops Flight Facility
- Meet fellow space enthusiasts who are active on social media
- Meet members of NASA’s social media teams
Registration opens on Wednesday, April 25. U.S. citizens active on social media must apply by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 30, 2018. 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 during their visit to Wallops Flight Facility.
Updates and information about the event will be shared on Twitter via @NASASocial and @NASA_Wallops, as well as posts to Facebook.
How do I register?
Registration opens on Wednesday, April 25. U.S. citizens active on social media must apply by the deadline, 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 30, 2018. All social media accreditation applications 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. 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.
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 expect to send notifications no later than May 11. If you do not make the registration list for accreditation, you can still attend the public viewing of the launch and participate in the conversation online.
What are the registration requirements?
Registration indicates your intent to travel to NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia 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 Orbital ATK are not responsible for loss or damage incurred as a result of attending. NASA and Orbital ATK, moreover, are not responsible for loss or damage incurred if the event is canceled with limited or no notice. Please plan accordingly.
Wallops 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 one form of unexpired government-issued identification; this identification must 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 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. If the launch date changes, NASA and Orbital ATK 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.
What if I cannot come to the event?
If you cannot come to event 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 event on NASA Television at www.nasa.gov/live
NASA will provide regular updates on @NASA and @NASASocial.
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 www.nasa.gov/social for updates.
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.