My NASA Space: NASA Social

This year I took part in my first NASA Social event. But what is NASA Social and how can you take part?

What is a NASA Social?
A NASA Social is an informal meeting of people who use social networking sites such as Twitter, Facebook and Google+. As participants you are encouraged to share with others through their favorite social networks.

How do I register?
NASA Social registration opens normally a month prior to an event. NASA will randomly select participants from online registrations. NASA accepts 50 participants, with 50 others on a wait list. Registration is for one person, aged 18 and over, only and is non-transferable. Because this event takes place at a facility with restricted areas, registration is limited to U.S. citizens.

Do I need to have a social media account to register?
Yes. These events are designed for active social media users who follow NASA on Twitter @NASA, @NASASocial), Facebook (NASA) or Google+ (NASA). The goal of NASA Social is to allow people who interact with each other via social networks to meet in person and discuss space exploration.

Users on all social networks are encouraged to use the hashtag #NASASocial. Updates and information about the event will be shared on Twitter via @NASASocial and via posts to Facebook and Google+.

What are the registration requirements?
Registration indicates your intent to travel to the sites and attend however many days of events for the NASA Social event are avaliable 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 is not responsible for loss or damage incurred as a result of attending. NASA is not responsible for loss or damage incurred if the event is cancelled with limited or no notice. Please plan accordingly.

Those who are selected will need to complete an additional registration step to receive clearance to enter secure areas. To be admitted, you will need to show two forms of government-issued identification with a photo that matches 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?
No, NASA Social cannot accept registrations from non-U.S. citizens.

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

What if I cannot come to the event?
If you cannot attend in person, you should not register for this NASA Social. You can follow the conversation using the #NASASocial hashtag on Twitter. NASA Kennedy may broadcast a portion of the NASA Social.

NASA is planning others in the near future at various locations. Check back on http://www.nasa.gov/social for updates.

When will I know if I am selected?
After registrations have been received and processed, an email with confirmation information and additional instructions will be sent to those selected and those on the waitlist. We expect to send notifications on or around 1 - 2 weeks prior.

If you do not make the registration list for this NASA Social, you can still participate in the conversation online.

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

Here is the NASA Social event I attended in the way of photos and video.