Digital content creators can register to participate in the launch of SpaceX’s ninth Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket, which will carry astronauts to the International Space Station for a scientific expedition. This mission is part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission is slated to launch in mid-August at the earliest from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch will be carried by NASA astronauts Zena Cardman, commander; Nick Hague, pilot; and Stephanie Wilson, mission specialist; along with Roskosmos cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, mission specialist.
If your passion is to communicate and engage the world online, then this event is for you! Take the opportunity to see and share the launch of the #Crew9 mission.
A maximum of 50 social media users will be selected to participate in this two-day event and will be given news media-like access.
NASA Social attendees will have the opportunity to:
- Watch the crewed launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft
- Tour NASA facilities at the Kennedy Space Center
- Meet and interact with subject matter experts from Crew-9
- Meet other space enthusiasts who are active on social media
Registration for this event opens on Wednesday, July 17, and the deadline for entries is Monday, July 22 at 10:00 a.m. EDT. All welfare applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
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Do I need to have a social media account to register?
Yes. This event is for people who:
- Actively use various social media platforms and tools to disseminate information to a unique audience.
- Create new content regularly with multimedia elements.
- They have the potential to reach large numbers of people using digital platforms or to reach unique audiences that are separate and distinct from traditional news media and/or NASA audiences.
- Must have an established history of posting content on social media platforms.
- Have previous contributions that are highly visible, respected and widely recognized.
Users on all social networks are encouraged to use the hashtag #NASASocial and #Crew9. Updates and event information will be shared on X via @NASASocial and @NASAKennedyand through Facebook and Instagram posts.
How do I register?
Registration for this event opens on Wednesday, July 17, and the deadline for entries is Monday, July 22 at 10:00 a.m. EDT. All welfare applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Can I register if I am not a US citizen?
Due to security restrictions, registration is limited to US citizens. If you have a valid permanent resident card, you will be processed as a US citizen.
When will I know if I have been selected?
Once registrations have been received and processed, selected participants will be sent an email with confirmation information and further instructions. We expect an acceptance notification by August 7.
What are NASA Social Credentials?
All social applications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Those selected must demonstrate during the registration process that they meet the specific criteria of the contract.
If you don’t fill out the sign-up list for this NASA social network, you can still attend the off-site launch and participate in the online conversation. Learn about ways to experience the launch here.
What are the registration requirements?
Registration expresses your intention to travel to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and attend the two-day event in person. You are responsible for your own travel, accommodation, food and other equipment costs.
Some events and participants scheduled for the event are subject to change without notice. NASA is not responsible for any loss or damage incurred as a result of participation. Additionally, NASA is not responsible for any loss or damage incurred if an event is canceled with little or no notice. Plan accordingly.
Kennedy is a government facility. Those selected will need to complete an additional registration step to gain access to secure areas.
IMPORTANT: To be accepted, you will have to provide two forms of unexpired government-issued identification; one must be a photo ID and match the name on the registration. Persons without proper identification cannot be admitted.
For a complete list of acceptable forms of ID, see: NASA Credential Identification Requirements.
All registrants must be over 18 years of age.
What if the launch date changes?
Many different factors can cause the planned launch date to change several times. If the launch date changes, NASA may adjust the NASA Social date to match the new target launch date. NASA will notify registrants of any changes by email.
If the launch is postponed, participants will be invited to a later launch date. NASA cannot accommodate participants with a delay of more than 72 hours.
NASA Social participants are responsible for any additional costs they incur in connection with any launch delay. Participants are strongly encouraged to arrange travel that is returnable and/or flexible.
What if I can’t come to Kennedy Space Center?
If you cannot come to the Kennedy Space Center and participate in person, you should not register on NASA social media. You can follow the conversation online using #NASASocial.
You can watch the launch at NASA+ or plus.nasa.gov. NASA will provide regular updates on launches and missions @NASA, @NASAKennedyand @Commercial_Crew, as well as the NASA Commercial Crew Program blog.
If you can’t make this NASA Social, don’t worry; NASA is planning many more Socials in various locations in the near future!