NASA is hosting a virtual Launch America party to celebrate the agency’s first human spaceflight from American soil since the end of the shuttle program. The SpaceX Crew Dragon launch of two NASA astronauts, Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken, to the International Space Station is scheduled for this week, Wednesday, May 27th, but due to COVID-19, NASA is urging everyone to watch the launch from home.

To give everyone the chance to view the historic launch, NASA is hosting a global, virtual, NASASocial for social media users and a watch party for the general public. In addition to broadcasting the launch, NASA will be broadcasting special pre-launch coverage, provide behind the scenes tours, and share projects and activities related to the mission.

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley will crew the SpaceX Demo-2 launch to the International Space Station. Photo Credit: Michael Galindo/Cosmic Chicago

Where to Follow NASA

To join in on the fun, you’ll need to get a little social- as in engaged on social media. NASA has a strong and active social media presence and they are using every platform to reach viewers as part of #LaunchAmerica. Follow NASA on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Use the hashtags #LaunchAmerica and #CrewDragon to share your experience during the launch.

Where to Find More Launch Information
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NASA is inviting the public to register for events via a #LaunchAmerica online event that will give you access to special pre-launch coverage and more information and reminders for the actual launch. This includes a special online event with NASA Administrator, Jim Bridenstine and Kennedy Space Center Director, Bob Cabana. Register for #LaunchAmerica here.

Join the First Virtual NASASocial

SpaceX’s Crew Dragon mockup on display at Johnson Space Center. Photo Credit: Michael Galindo/Cosmic Chicago

NASA regularly hosts NASASocial events for social media users in order to give them the opportunity to experience launches and other events with their followers. These events generally include exclusive activities and behind the scenes tours, in addition to being able to get up close to exciting space events. Because of the pandemic, NASA is hosting a virtual NASASocial that is open to social media users from around the world.

To join, you need to be an active social media user on any platform and on Facebook, where the event is being hosted. Those interested need to request permission to join the Facebook group, answer a few questions about their social media presence, and be ready to share with their network. You can find more information about the NASASocial event here.

How to Watch the Launch

Crew Dragon sits ready on the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center. Photo Credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett

Finally, watch the launch online or on NASATV with the NASA community, the country, and the world. Coverage of the launch begins at 11:15 am CDT on Wednesday, May 27th, with the actual launch scheduled for 3:33 pm CDT.

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