How to Experience NASA: Free Tours, Astronaut Meetings, and Rocket Launches
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Exploring NASA's Social Events
NASA occasionally hosts gatherings known as “NASA Socials,” which serve as informal meet-ups for individuals who engage with NASA on various social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, Flickr, YouTube, and personal blogs. These events offer participants the chance to go behind the scenes at NASA facilities, interacting with scientists, engineers, astronauts, and managers. Duration can vary from two hours to two days and typically includes a “meet and greet” session, enabling participants to connect with fellow “NASA socialites” and the team behind NASA’s social media presence.
Diverse Participants in NASA Socials
NASA seeks out non-traditional “journalists” to apply for these events. Participants have included artists, photographers, stand-up comedians, psychologists, museum curators, podcast hosts, TV meteorologists, authors, and even professional athletes like Tony Siragusa, as well as Miss United States. I encouraged my friend, Lily Donaldson, to apply for a NASA Social at the Kennedy Space Center to witness a rocket launch, and she was chosen for the event.
Those selected must be at least 18 years old and are responsible for their own travel, lodging, meals, and other expenses. NASA provides the necessary credentials and access to their facilities for the event. Employees of NASA are not eligible to participate in these socials; I applied for one shortly after retiring in January 2017 and was selected to attend an event at the Johnson Space Center (JSC), dubbed “SpaceBowl” since it coincided with Super Bowl LI in Houston.
Memorable Experiences at NASA Socials
At the 2017 NASA Social, I had the opportunity to meet Tony Siragusa, who participated in the event and passed away five years later in 2022. I also spoke with astronauts Peggy Whitson and Shane Kimbrough during a live link to the International Space Station in Space Center Houston's IMAX theater.
Engaging with Notable Astronauts
During the SpaceBowl event, astronaut Doug Wheelock addressed our group while we visited the historic Apollo Mission Control Room at JSC.
Further Adventures at NASA
Since that initial experience, I've been fortunate enough to participate in two more NASA Socials. One notable event was the “Artemis Day” social, a two-day gathering in late 2019. The first day featured a visit to the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, where we observed the Space Launch System's Core Stage, which would later be utilized in the Artemis I mission to the Moon.
Announcing the Artemis II Crew
Another social I attended was in Houston, where the crew for the Artemis II mission, set to orbit the Moon next year, was announced.