NASA to Host Tweetup at Space Shuttle Launch in Florida



Credit: Brian Knight, STS-129 Launch Tweetup participant

Special Note About Launch Date Changes

Original Information

As we noted in the details email you received, numerous factors can cause a scheduled launch date to change, and the targeted launch date for space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission to the International Space Station has been changed. The new targeted lift off is 3:47 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 29. Endeavor’s launch date will not be scheduled officially until after the Flight Readiness Review, which is now re-scheduled for April 19. All dates are subject to change.Consequently, we are adjusting your schedule, andBecause the launch time is now several hours earlier in the day, the Tweetup agenda also will move earlier on both days. We are working on adjusting the schedule and will send more details when we have them. However, for your planning purposes, you should expect check-in on April 28 to take place first thing in the morning. Attendees, please refer to your email for additional instructions.If the launch date moves or is delayed again prior to April 29, NASA will make every attempt to adjust the Tweetup schedule accordingly to coincide with the launch and will notify you about this change. Tweetup attendees are responsible for any additional costs they incur related to any launch delay. Please keep that in mind as you book airline tickets, reserve rental cars and hotels and make other travel plans; we strongly encourage you to make travel arrangements that are refundable and/or flexible.FOLLOW THE LAUNCH: It is your responsibility to keep up with the date and time of the shuttle launch. Follow @NASA @NASATweetup and @NASAKennedy on Twitter to receive regular launch updates. You also can receive regular launch updates at http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle . Updates also are available by calling 321-867-2525.

NASA will host a two-day Tweetup for 150 of its Twitter followers on April 18-19 at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Space shuttle Endeavour is targeted to launch at 7:48 p.m. EDT on April 19, on its STS-134 mission to the International Space Station.

The Tweetup will provide @NASA followers with the opportunity to tour the center, view the shuttle launch and speak with NASA managers, astronauts, shuttle technicians and engineers. The event also will provide participants the opportunity to meet fellow tweeps and NASA's social media team.

What is a Tweetup?

A Tweetup is an informal meeting of people who use the social messaging medium Twitter. This Tweetup is an opportunity to learn more about NASA, explore NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and experience a space shuttle launch.

How do I register?

Registration was open from noon on Monday, March 14, on this page, and closed 24 hours later at noon on Tuesday, March 15. NASA will accommodate 150 tweeps randomly selected from those who sign up. Additional registrants will be placed on a waiting list.

Registration is for one person only (you) and is non-transferrable.

Do I need to have a Twitter account to register?

Yes. This event is designed for Twitter users who follow @NASA, @NASATweetup and other NASA Twitter accounts. The goal of NASA Tweetups is to allow people who regularly interact with each other via Twitter to meet in person and discuss one of their favorite subjects: NASA. If you are not familiar with Twitter or a regular user of Twitter and just want to see a space shuttle launch, NASA offers other ways to experience a launch. Learn more at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/view.

The Twitter account for the Tweetup is @NASATweetup, and the hashtag is #NASATweetup. We'll use both to post updates and reminders about the event.

What are the registration requirements?

Registration indicates your intent to travel to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida and attend the two-day event in person. You are responsible for your own expenses for travel, accommodation, food and other amenities.

Kennedy is a government facility. Those who are selected will need to complete an additional registration step to receive clearance to enter the secure areas at Kennedy. 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.

Can I register if I am not a U.S. citizen?

Yes, non-U.S. citizens may register to attend the Tweetup in Florida. Please choose the "non-U.S. citizen" option in the state drop-down menu during registration. Kennedy is a government facility. If you have a green card, you do NOT need to select “non-U.S. citizen” as 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 at Kennedy. 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.

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-transferrable. Each individual wishing to attend must register separately.

If I have seen a space shuttle launch before, can I register for the Tweetup?

Remember what an awesome experience it was to view the launch of a space shuttle? We're not surprised you want to see another launch or see it from a new spot. A goal of this NASA Tweetup is to provide an opportunity to experience a space shuttle launch for those who have never had the chance. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to consider providing someone new the opportunity to enjoy this amazing event.

If I previously came to a launch Tweetup, can I register to attend this one?

We know you had an unforgettable experience at the launch Tweetup you attended. In addition to viewing the shuttle lift off, you were part of an incredible group. We know you would love to recreate that experience. But as a participant at a launch Tweetup, you also know one of NASA's goals is to provide the opportunity to as many people as possible. As a veteran of a launch Tweetup, you also already know your way around Kennedy and the area. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to seek out a new launch viewing site (like http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/view), allow someone new to experience this amazing event, and welcome the additions to the #NASATweetup family. Besides, it wouldn't be a once-in-a-lifetime experience if you came again!

What if I cannot come to Florida?

If you cannot come to Florida to attend in person, you should not register for the Tweetup. You can follow the Tweetup conversation using the #NASATweetup hashtag. NASA will use UStream to broadcast a portion of the program on April 18 at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-hd-tv. You also can watch the launch of space shuttle Endeavour on NASA TV at http://www.nasa.gov/ntv. NASA will provide regular launch and mission updates on @NASA, @NASAKennedy and http://nasa.gov/shuttle.

If you cannot make this Tweetup, don't despair; NASA is planning others in the near future at various locations.

When will I know if I am selected?

After NASA has received and processed the registrations, an e-mail with confirmation information and additional instructions will be sent to those selected and those on the waitlist. We expect to send notifications on March 21.

If you do not make the registration list for this Tweetup, you can still attend a space shuttle launch. Learn about other ways to experience a launch at http://www.nasa.gov/centers/kennedy/about/view

What if the space shuttle's launch date changes?

Launching humans into space is a very complex business, and the safety of the crew is NASA's number one priority. Hundreds of different factors can cause a scheduled launch date to change many times.

If the launch date changes prior to April 19, NASA may change the date of the Tweetup to match the new target launch date. NASA will notify registrants by e-mail. If the launch is postponed for 24 hours on April 19, Tweetup attendees will be invited to attend the launch April 20. NASA cannot accommodate attendees for delays beyond 24 hours. Tweetup attendees are responsible for any additional costs they incur related to any launch delay.

Does registration for and/or attendance at the Tweetup qualify me for media accreditation?

Your STS-134 Tweetup registration and/or attendance does not qualify you for news media credentials at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, now or in the future.

Have a question not answered here? Need more information? Help is available by sending an email to HQ-twitter@mail.nasa.gov.

For more information about space shuttle Endeavour's STS-134 mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/shuttle/shuttlemissions/sts134