We are inviting social media users to apply for credentials to cover the launch of Northrop Grumman’s CRS-11 mission to the International Space Station. An Antares rocket carrying the Cygnus cargo spacecraft will liftoff no earlier than 4:46 p.m. EST on April 17 from Pad 0-A at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
A maximum of 50 active social media users will be selected to attend the two-day event April 16-17, 2019 and will be given the same access as news media. Participants should keep in mind that due to the complexity of these launches, it is possible the Antares rocket could launch at a later date beyond its scheduled launch window.
NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to:
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Get an up-close view of the launch from the Wallops Island media viewing site
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Meet with rocket experts from NASA and Northrop Grumman
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Go on a behind-the-scenes tour of Wallops Flight Facility
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Meet fellow space enthusiasts who are active on social media
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Meet members of NASA’s social media teams
Registration for this event is now open. Social media users must apply by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. 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:
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Actively use multiple social networking platforms and tools to disseminate information to a unique audience.
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Regularly produce new content that features multimedia elements.
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Have the potential to reach a large number of people using digital platforms.
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Reach a unique audience, separate and distinctive from traditional news media and/or NASA audiences.
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Must have an established history of regularly posting content on social media platforms.
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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 NASA’s 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 Monday, Feb. 11, 2019. All applications must be submitted by the deadline, 11:59 p.m. EDT on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be reviewed. 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?
Yes. International social media users without U.S. citizenship may apply. Those who are selected are required to submit full legal name, date of birth, nationality and passport and visa/ESTA information. To be admitted, you will need to show two government-issued identifications (one must be your passport) that matches the name provided on the registration. Those without proper identification cannot be admitted. All registrants must be at least 18 years old.
If you have a valid permanent resident card, you will be processed as a U.S. citizen.
When will I know if I am selected?
After registrations have been received and processed, a notification email will be sent out to inform you whether or not you have been selected for NASA social media accreditation. We expect to send notifications no later than Friday, Feb. 22.
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. Participants must attend both days. 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 Northrop Grumman are not responsible for loss or damage incurred as a result of attending. NASA and Northrop Grumman, moreover, are not responsible for loss or damage incurred if the event is canceled with limited or no notice. Please plan accordingly.
Wallops Flight Facility is a federal 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 two forms 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: http://www.nasa.gov/sites/default/files/atoms/files/i-9_poster_acceptable_documents_2014_04_23.pdf
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 Northrop Grumman 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 the two-day 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.
