{"id":2532,"date":"2016-04-12T05:03:50","date_gmt":"2016-04-12T05:03:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/anne.myupcomingsite.com\/?p=2532"},"modified":"2023-12-12T07:33:32","modified_gmt":"2023-12-12T07:33:32","slug":"experiencing-spacex-s-first-launch-of-2016-live-with-nasa-social","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/anne.myupcomingsite.com\/?p=2532","title":{"rendered":"Experiencing SpaceX \u2018s First Launch of 2016 Live with NASA Social"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"LaunchPad\"
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket sits on its launch pad on Friday awaiting liftoff at Cape Canaveral.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

CAPE CANAVERAL, FL<\/strong> – <\/strong><\/em>April 16, 2016<\/strong> –<\/strong> The Writing Well<\/em> celebrates storytelling in all its forms, and I am thrilled \u00a0to post a unique blog \u00a0with some of the social media \u201cstorytellers\u201d invited by NASA to observe and report online during the April 8th SpaceX\u00a0 launch <\/a>of its Dragon Falcon to the International Space Station<\/a>, SpaceX\u2019s first launch of 2016.<\/p>\n

Of course, it was SpaceX’s experimental\u00a0drone ship landing \u00a0of the first phase\u00a0—\u00a0a feat that had been attempted before but succeeded for the first time last Friday — that created just as much excitement and with good reason: it paves the way for developing reusable, lower-cost spaceflight since future missions in deep space will depend upon a sea-based landing.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’s another step toward the stars,\u201d said SpaceX founder Elon Musk during a post-launch press conference at Kennedy Space Center.<\/p>\n

For those of you who are not space enthusiasts, take note: \u00a0NASA and private-sector space innovators are entering into a new and exciting chapter, one that fosters collaboration and hopefully\u00a0successful outreach beyond low earth orbit to Mars and beyond.<\/p>\n

\"Anne_SpaceX_Clock
Here I am at the countdown clock a little over an hour before launch.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Vehicle
Inside NASA Kennedy Space Center’s Vehicle Assembly Building, which is 520 feet high.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I was one of several bloggers and tweeters invited to take part in a\u00a0\u201cNASA Social,\u201d a special behind-the-scenes opportunity sponsored by NASA\u2019s social media team to experience the launch, tour key facilities and talk to some of the space agency\u2019s best and brightest.\u00a0 On Friday afternoon we found ourselves on the NASA Causeway \u00a0a little over two miles from the launch pad as the Dragon rocket roared into a perfect blue sky \u2013 and made history minutes later with the historic landing at sea of its first phase.<\/p>\n

\"View
A breathtaking view of Cape Canaveral and the launch pads from the roof of the VAB.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Before the launch we had the opportunity to tour Kennedy Space Center\u2019s famed Vehicle Assembly Building, or VAB, where engineers assemble large space vehicles. We\u00a0headed several stories up to the roof where we enjoyed a breathtaking view of Cape Canaveral and took video and pictures of the launch pad.<\/p>\n

\"NASA
NASA Crawler<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We also got up close and personal with NASA Crawlers, the 50-year-old giant transporters that have carried shuttles and rockets since the Apollo era from the VAB to the launch pads at Launch Complex 39. We learned how they are being upgraded to handle the additional weight requirements of future launches.\u00a0 \u00a0We also heard from scientists, engineers and astronauts who are shaping NASA\u2019s next chapter and the future of space exploration.<\/p>\n

We gained a richer appreciation of the agency\u2019s focus on supporting private partners like SpaceX to build the capability to support space exploration beyond low earth orbit. Who can\u2019t wait to see the first launch of Orion in 2018 and follow its mission to take human exploration to Mars?<\/p>\n

Below is a snapshot of a some of the bloggers, tweeters and YouTubers from across the country who I met and who are helping tell the new story of NASA and SpaceX to an increasingly excited public.<\/p>\n

********************<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Accuweather
Accuweather sponsored Brian’s attendance at the NASA Social event.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Brian Lada,<\/strong> Meteorologist and Journalist for Accuweather<\/p>\n

City:<\/strong> State College, PA<\/p>\n

Social platform of choice:<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Twitter\u00a0 \/ @wxlada<\/p>\n

\u201cI loved space as a kid. Growing up I wanted to be an astronaut. I loved watching all the rocket and shuttle launches on TV, but when it came time for college, I decided to go for meteorology because my other passion is the weather.\u00a0 Fortunately, I can pursue my passion for astronomy as well. I help to manage our astronomy Facebook page and I talk about space all the time on my Twitter. Down here I am fulfilling my childhood dream of seeing NASA, meeting NASA, watching a space launch while still being in my weather world. I was sponsored by Accuweather and am reporting live from the ground for the company.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe one message I want to leave with my social media followers is Just how much weather can affect launches. I\u2019ve been nervous the last few weeks about the winds and the probability of postponing the launch. Everyone is down here for this one day and if<\/em> the weather is wrong, a lot of people are going to miss out. Fortunately, it is looking good.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Matt2
Matt plays video games for a living. Here, he’s streaming live on his Twitch channel during our briefing at the VAB.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Matt Anderson<\/strong>, Live Broadcaster, Twitch Interactive, Owner, Bad News Gaming<\/p>\n

City:<\/strong> Dallas, TX<\/p>\n

Social platform of choice:<\/strong> Twitch \u00a0 @thebadnewsbaron<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat excites me most is seeing people get excited about space. \u00a0It\u2019s been amazing. There\u2019s been so little energy around the space program for a long time in the U.S. and it seems like that\u2019s starting to come back again. SpaceX is starting to kick that into gear again a little bit, and a lot of entertainment media has brought that back, and what we saw with the Orion project I think will be absolutely astounding when it\u2019s finished.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe one message I want to leave with followers is that the future of the space program is so incredibly bright \u2013 there is so much to look forward to with the technology that they are working on.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"KelleyRowe_MadisonChildrensMuseum\"Kelley Rowe,\u00a0<\/strong>Data Integration Specialist, Madison Children\u2019s Museum<\/p>\n

City:<\/strong> Madison, Wisconsin<\/p>\n

Social media platform of choice:<\/strong> Facebook<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most exciting part about being here is just getting to see the rocket launch in person and also I\u2019ve heard that the roar from the engine you can feel even at this distance is kind of indescribable and can\u2019t be experienced in any other way than seeing and feeling it for yourself.\u00a0 That being said, everything we\u2019ve done \u2013 the exclusive access to\u00a0 the Vehicle Assembly Building, everything we\u2019ve seen on our tour, \u00a0getting to go on the rooftop, getting to see the crew module being worked on for Orion, how can I pick a favorite from these really incredible and amazing experiences?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

“My\u00a0one message to my followers is that\u00a0I hope that they become aware of what\u2019s out there \u2013 of the opportunities that especially STEM presents of what the U.S. and our space program is capable of, what they are capable of.\u00a0 We\u2019ve had some amazing interviews with NASA staff people who talked about dreaming of being involved in the space program since they were 5, 8, 10 years old. I hope our followers who are children are exposed to maybe something that they didn\u2019t realize existed before, or hadn\u2019t understood the scope of before and that somehow galvanizes or inspires them.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Kayla,
Kayla, 19, has always dreamed of being an astronaut. Her tattoo by Martin Buechler includes the Neil Armstrong quote: “Humanity is not forever chained to this planet.”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Kayla Robinson, <\/strong>College student majoring in engineering \/insurance agent<\/p>\n

City:<\/strong> Virginia Beach, Virginia<\/p>\n

Social media platform of choice:\u00a0<\/strong> Instagram\u00a0 <\/strong>@kaylajdr<\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMy dad had me into space since I was a kid. This is what I want to do. It’s been great, meeting different NASA workers, getting the inside scoop on what it takes to work here in the future. \u00a0For the past few months I\u2019ve been thinking about going to school around here. Just being in this area and around this kind of environment makes me want to come even more.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s really important for the general public to get into space and science \u2013 the American people are the ones who will be funding the federal program and will support all the private industry efforts\u2014and that kind of broad support is going to get us to where we want to go.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Jake<\/p>\n

Jake Counselbaum<\/strong>, social media consultant<\/p>\n

City:<\/strong> Chicago, Ill.<\/p>\n

Social media platform of choice:<\/strong> Twitter \/@jakecbaum<\/p>\n

“What excites me most about space is the thought that we are not alone! Being at the SpaceX launch was an incredible opportunity to see the next generation of space travel, sustainably, reusability and exploration.”<\/em><\/p>\n

“The one message I’d leave with my followers is this: keep using social media to impact people, not to just impress them.”<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Brandon
Brandon carrying a model of a Dragon rocket sent to him from a former engineer with SpaceX.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Brandon Thonen,\u00a0<\/strong>Photographer, Disney Digital Marketing<\/p>\n

Orlando, Fla.<\/p>\n

Social platform of choice:<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Twitter\u00a0 \u00a0\/\u00a0 @HipeRFin<\/p>\n

“<\/b>What excites me about space is [the idea that] we have yet to reach the farthest we can go. There\u2019s always going to be a further point.\u00a0 The best part about being here today is being the closest I\u2019ve even been to a previous launch. I usually watch from the crew ships.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMy one message to social media followers is how impressive and massive every different part of NASA Kennedy Space Center truly is \u2013 no matter how many photos I take, it will never make up for it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Ashley
Ashley, a NASA software developer and new hire, is spending eight weeks with groups outside her department. She was lucky to be assigned to the social media team and be part of the NASA Social on April 8th.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Ashley\u00a0Demers,\u00a0<\/strong>Software developer, Application Development Branch, IT, NASA Kennedy Space Center<\/p>\n

City:<\/strong> Titusville, Fla.<\/p>\n

Social Media Platform of Choice:<\/strong> Twitter \/@ashley_demers<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat excites me about space is the ability to inspire\u00a0and\u00a0the ability to do research that you can\u2019t physically do on the ground, the ability to learn more about our universe \u2013 there\u2019s nothing you can\u2019t love about space exploration.\u00a0 I am very excited to be a part of this group, see the launch and go on the Vehicle Assembly building roof. Going on the roof is not something employees can easily do.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe message I want to leave with my social media followers is that NASA is active, alive; we\u2019re doing amazing things and all the science that\u2019s going to be accomplished on this payload is going to be amazing. We\u2019re doing really cool things.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"JeffDunn_Google\"<\/p>\n

Jeff Dunn<\/strong>, Education and Outreach Manager, Google<\/p>\n

City:<\/strong> Mountain View, Calif.<\/p>\n

Social platform of choice:<\/strong> \u00a0\u00a0Google+ \/ @googleforedu<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best\u00a0 part about space is it\u2019s our future whether we like it or not, and there are both for-profit companies and governments working together to develop an actual future that we can all live in and keep us safe and not extinct.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cThe best part of being here is that I got to meet a lot of interesting people both from NASA and via social media — I look forward to keeping that conversation going. Just seeing the passion from everybody has been overwhelming…you see it on webcasts, you see it on hashtag chats, but it\u2019s nothing like seeing it in people jumping up and down as a rocket blasts off in front of you.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cMy one message to social media followers is to get excited about the new opportunities for invention and exploration.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

\"Carter,
Carter, 18, hopes to study computer science in college.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Carter Dempsey<\/strong>, High school senior<\/p>\n

City:<\/strong> Orlando, Fla.<\/p>\n

Social platform of choice:\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>Twitter \/@carterdemp<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat excites me about space is Just the idea of people living there every day and the possibility of being to another planet and just being self-sustained and getting to the point where there\u2019s constant missions back and forth. \u00a0The commercialization of space is really cool — seeing people get more interested in space.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>\u201cMy one message to my social media followers is that I hope they would be more interested in the future of space \u2013 and just in science in general.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Scott
Scott with his telescope equipped with a custom software program he developed for closed-loop tracking of moving objects, including satellites and rockets.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Scott Ferguson<\/strong>, Neuroscientist, software developer and astronomy hobbyist<\/p>\n

City:<\/strong> Tampa, Fla.<\/p>\n

Social platform of choice:\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>YouTube<\/p>\n

\u201cI grew up in Titusville and saw a ton of launches.\u00a0 I\u2019ve seen some bad launches and some good launches. \u00a0I was sitting on my front lawn when Challenger exploded. That was a bad day, but today was a great day. It was the best launch I\u2019ve ever gone to.\u00a0 Another highlight was getting to stay on top of the VAB \u2013 I\u2019ll probably never get to do that again. That was an incredible experience. \u00a0That was just an amazing view \u2013 words can\u2019t do it justice.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cIn terms of social media,\u00a0I hope to inspire young people to pursue math and science, and show what human effort can accomplish \u2013 and what we can accomplish when we work together. I think [the launch shows how far America can push the space industry and push forward with new innovations \u2013 when we unleash unbridled capitalism into the space program. What\u2019s SpaceX is doing is really incredible and [their latest launch] proves they are really leading the competition in lowering space costs and that\u2019s going to change the whole ballgame, I think, for spaceflight in the future.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

____<\/p>\n

\"NASA
The April 2016 NASA Social Group (photo courtesy of NASA Social)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

More\u00a0Reading
\n<\/strong>
\nCheck out\u00a0my blog Q&A interview<\/a> with “Orphans of Apollo” filmmaker Michael Potter.<\/p>\n

Read my Via Satellite<\/em> article <\/a>on the ‘SpaceX effect’ in the launch vehicle market.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n ","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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