For the first time since 2011, we’re sending American astronauts back to space, on an American rocket, from American soil. And we would like you to join us for launch – at a safe virtual distance of course.
The details:
As part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley will fly on SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft to the International Space Station. Launch is scheduled for 3:22 p.m. EDT on Saturday, May 30.
Here are five steps to take to participate. And share all of the links below with family, friends and colleagues!
1. Register to #LAUNCHAMERICA
Register to let us know you’re in, and we’ll keep you up to date! You’ll get a chance to interact with NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana on the day before launch.
2. PREPARE FOR THE MISSION
Like the crew, you’ll want to get yourself prepped for the mission:
- Tour the launch pad.
- Go inside SpaceX’s manufacturing plant and climb into a mock-up of the Crew Dragon capsule.
- Immerse yourself in astronaut training.
- Get your mission briefing.
- Practice docking the Crew Dragon capsule to the International Space Station.
- Print the mission patch and use it in your photo or post.
Check back regularly because we’ll be adding new opportunities before launch!
3. APPLY FOR THE VIRTUAL NASA SOCIAL
The #LaunchAmerica NASA Social is 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.
- Receive a NASA Social badge that you can share online or print out at home.
- Virtually tour NASA facilities and hear from NASA representatives.
- Virtually view a launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
4. REACH OUT TO STUDENTS YOU KNOW
Celebrate this historic milestone with the Artemis Generation. Students can share their excitement with webinars, virtual reality experiences and activities specifically designed for grades K-4 and grades 5-12.
5. FOLLOW THE MISSION AND SHARE YOUR EXCITEMENT
- Download NASA’s Instagram AR filter to show you’re going to watch the launch.
- Add a Launch America Facebook frame to your profile picture.
- Excited for the launch? Share your feelings with the hashtag #LaunchAmerica for the chance to get featured on our social media or the live broadcast.
- Apply to take part in the very first virtual NASA Social and join the community of space enthusiasts.
- Ask: Prep your mission questions* for NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and Kennedy Space Center Director Robert Cabana who will field questions on the day before launch at the iconic countdown clock. We’ll tell you how you can ask your question when you register.
- Print: a mission poster, a Launch America poster, a Crew Dragon bookmark, and trading cards for astronauts Behnken and Hurley.
6. STREAM THE BROADCAST
Watch the joint NASA/SpaceX launch broadcast live on NASA TV beginning at 11:00 a.m. EDT on May 30 and leading up to liftoff at 3:22 p.m. EDT, then continuing through docking the next day!
You can watch NASA TV via NASA’s website, YouTube, Roku, Pluto and Twitch TV.
7. STAY CONNECTED
The mission doesn’t end after launch. Follow NASA throughout and stay informed through the various social media channels – and remember to tag us, and use our hashtags #LaunchAmerica and #CrewDragon too!