Psst! Did you know NASA is still in the space business? Yup. Although the space shuttle program concluded in 2011, rockets are still launching and NASA is still exploring. In fact, the fourth SpaceX cargo mission (SpaceX CRS-4) to the International Space Station under NASA’s Commercial Resupply Services contract is set for Saturday, Sept. 20, from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. And guess what? I’ll be there as a participant in the #SpaceX4 #NASASocial! I was one of 50 social media influencers selected to attend following an application process.
Ohmygoodness! I’m excited! I’m long overdue for a rocket launch and I cannot wait to learn more about the next chapter in space exploration, especially since NASA announced yesterday it selected Boeing and SpaceX to transport U.S. astronauts to and from the ISS using CST-100 and Crew Dragon spacecraft. If that all sounds like mumbo-jumbo, basically, it’s a big deal. Like, a REALLY big deal. Learn more on www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew.
NASA Social is Thursday and Friday, Sept. 18 and 19, of this week. Be warned. If you follow me on Twitter and Instagram, I’ll be posting A LOT!
It’s not my first rodeo in attending a NASA Social, I’ve attended three previous NASA Tweetup events and love the community that evolves. People come from all sorts of backgrounds tied together with a common interest and appreciation for space exploration.
The Dragon spacecraft launching Saturday is on a resupply mission to the ISS. I’ve personally benefited, and I’m sure you have too, from the research and technology developed from space expeditions (CT scans, MRIs). This mission will resupply the ISS and includes materials to support 255 research and science investigations.
Included in the payload:
- ISS-Rapid Scatterometer to monitor ocean surface wind speed and direction.
- Study of a small flowering plant related to cabbage that allows scientists to study plant growth and adaptations in space.
- 3-D Printing In Zero-G Technology Demonstration, the first 3-D printer in space.
If all goes to plan, the Dragon will remain attached to the space station for more than four weeks. It will then splash down off the coast of Baja California in the Pacific Ocean bringing back about two tons of equipment and experiment samples from the station.
Lift off is set for 2:16 a.m. EDT with NASA Television beginning launch coverage at 1:15 a.m. Visit www.nasa.gov for additional information and follow #SpaceX4 and #NASASocial on your social media channels.
Find me:
Who’s excited for another rocket launch?
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