NASA’s really trying to step up their social media game, and this is definitely good news. This week, NASA’s social media followers and their guests will have the unique opportunity to talk to three of the six crew members aboard the International Space Station, as well as the scientists and engineers involved in the project.

What will you get the chance to do

The day-long event will be split in two parts: the morning at NASA Headquarters, 300 E St. SW in Washington, with a part of it broadcast on NASA TV from 10:00 a.m. to noon EST. In the afternoon, NASA has partnered with the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum (@airandspace) so participants will take part in a special tour of the museum and have opportunities to interact with museum experts.

If you participate in this event, here are the opportunities you will have:

• Engage in a live chat with NASA astronauts Kevin Ford and Tom Marshburn, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Chris Hadfield, currently aboard the space station.
• Speak with NASA astronaut Don Pettit, @Astro_Pettit, and agency scientists and engineers.
• Tour the NASA Headquarters Space Operations Center with live views from the International Space Station.
• Learn about: current scientific events onboard the ISS, commercial and educational esearch opportunities enabled by the station’s microgravity environment, how the ISS is used to conduct groundbreaking experiments, and many, many more.

How can you sign up

Registration for the event will open from 9:00 a.m. EDT, Tuesday, Feb. 5 until 5:00 p.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 7. There is a limit of 150 participants, which NASA will select randomly – so everyone gets a fair chance. Take advantage of this opportunity! If I were available, I know I’d sign up for sure.

Also, you need to have a social media account to sign up for this. his event is designed for active social media users who follow NASA on Twitter (@NASA, @ISS_Research, @NASASocial), Facebook (NASA, International Space Station) or Google+ (NASA). The main goal is to use social media to discuss important aspects of NASA’s research, present and future goals.

Another thing worth mentioning is that you don’t have to be a US citizen to sign up! Non-US citizens have the same chances. The invitation you’ll get will be for yourself and a guest. If you have any other questions, be sure to ask them on this email (HQ-Social@mail.nasa.gov.)

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