A few weeks ago, I applied for a spot in the #NASASocial group for the upcoming rocket launch. This group of 50 space junkies, like the media, will go to places that ordinary visitors to Kennedy Space Center usually don’t see. The NASA Social is an effort to spread information about the SpaceX program through social media, such as Twitter, Facebook, and even WordPress. I received an email stating that I had not been selected, but was on the wait list. Imagine my delighted surprise when last night I received another email telling me I was off the wait list and got the spot! I am a total space junkie, and an avid photographer, especially of launches. My husband and I have gone to many shuttle launches, and our son, Ian, has gone to a few, too. We’ve all experienced the letdown of a scrubbed launch (particularly the last night shuttle launch), and trudged through the parking lot, exhausted. Insert sad face here 😦
But, we’ve also experienced the utter thrill and sensations of shuttle launches, with the ground rumbling under your feet, and the sound that suddenly strikes, BOOM! You can feel it in your chest, you can feel it in your entire body, I can say there is no other feeling like it. Each launch left me in awe, in goosebumps, with me clicking my camera – thousands of times – saying “wow wow wow wow wow wow” over and over again. It’s those rare WOW moments that make you exhilarated, excited, and leave you with a perma-grin. Insert happy face here 😀
The album I’m sharing is of the first (and only) Ares rocket launch. This was scrubbed twice before she finally launched. But the three of us made the 5 a.m. check-ins, and when she finally did light up, so did our faces.
Next week, as a NASA Social participant, here’s what I (and the other 49 space junkies) get to do! WOW just WOW!
- view a launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket
- tour NASA facilities at Kennedy Space Center
- speak with representatives from both NASA and SpaceX
- view and take photographs of the SpaceX launch pad
- meet fellow space enthusiasts who are active on social media
- meet members of SpaceX and NASA’s social media teams
Excited to share my photos and experience with you, so stay tuned! We’re in the countdown.
Follow me on Twitter to get more updates! @whatisitpic … I think I’ll probably post more frequently there.
“Space. The final frontier.” Enjoy!
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Love that! And I will share all of the excitement!
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Wow!!! This is what we call a perfect ‘shot’! A booster for our working minds in this late afternoon (my burnout is gone!), a go for our senses, a thrust to our hopes to be always on target! Thanks so much, Schelley! 🙂 You always bring smiles!!!
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That’s such a great spin, Fabio. 😀
Really sparkling writing!
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You push me to my limits … 🙂 Hope you will a “blast” at Nasa! 🙂 Take care, my wonderful friend!
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I am SO envious! I am a total space junkie too 🙂
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I will share all of the excitement that I can! I just can’t believe I’m going. I’ll be tweeting and blogging and posting photos just like the media. My one chance to be a reporter! 😀 You can follow us at #NASASocial to see immediate updates.
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glad you got the spot – and cool shots. 🙂
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Thank you! I’m super psyched to go. 🙂
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Absolutely GREEN with envy – fabulous captures – what a time you’ll have next week! 🙂
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Thank you, Joanne! My hubby is green, too. lol
I’m starting to think of what all I need to take. I’ll be sharing the experience on Twitter (@whatisitpic) with #NASASocial hash tag. And of course I will post pictures and blog about the events here! 🙂
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I shall be living vicariously through you – enjoy!
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My Simon would just LOVE that! Great photos to see 🙂
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My hubby would love it, too. He’s so envious but happy that I am doing this. I can’t believe I got picked! 😀
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Simon had read about it and is very very envious!! Amazing opportunity Schelley 🙂 I’m not very good at twitter but we’ll try to follow your adventure! Enjoy every moment of it.
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