I had a truly unforgettable experience this past weekend at Kennedy Space Center. An inspiring weekend, filled with emotion. After a 2 day buildup of touring Kennedy Space Center, viewing all of the innovative technology, experiments, and brilliant work being done to launch the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon cargo carrier to the International Space Station, the mission ended in a tragic loss of the rocket and all of it’s contents. Here’s a little bit of what my experience was like at the NASA Social.
Arrival day: I drive to Titusville, Florida on a stormy day on the Space Coast. I am so excited to be chosen to attend this special event- the NASA Social. With just 1 round of application and being accepted in, I thought, would mean anyone could get in. I would find out that I was hand selected out of over 900 applicants to be 1 of the nearly 40 who attended the 3 day event where we were given special access to KSC to get a first hand look at the latest technology, experiments, and innovation going on throughout the facility.
NASA Social Day 1: So much to learn, and yet I’m already inspired. Day 1 of our NASA Social took us through an in depth crash course of information about the upcoming launch, and what makes NASA so powerful. After receiving my press credentials, the NASA social group gathered for the first time at NASA’s press site.
I couldn’t help but notice the motley crew the NASA Social team selected to attend. We have people from all walks of life… A former WWE Diva, an Australian teacher encouraging children to learn about science and Space travel, an LA filmmaker with a special interest in sci-fi…me…, a travel writer, and many other talented individuals- some who just love space, science, and NASA…all of whom are active in social media, and who reach out to a unique group through their various social sites.
Through our tweets, blogs, periscope broadcasts, and instagram photos, we are able to spread the word of how awesome NASA is in a much more raw and relatable way than traditional media.
Our social media leaders for the weekend…tweeting away, of course! A huge thank you to these individuals for encouraging and inspiring this group of social media users.
The day kicked off with introductions and a chat with NASA’s new deputy administrator, Dava Newman. How cool to have a woman in the lead. She is so personable, and yet holds such a powerful position. She is making NASA shine even brighter by letting people get excited about science.
We continued on to various tours, including the TPSF (Thermal Protection System Facility) where NASA’s thermal technology was demonstrated, first hand. We learned about and viewed the process of making the highly heat resistant tiles that comprise the vehicles’ outer shell to keep it safe under extreme conditions- particularly during reentry into Earths atmosphere. How do you prove it works? A piece was demonstrated by taking small chunks out of the oven, where the inside content measures a whopping 2300 degrees Fahrenheit… With NASA technology and the insulative outer shell, I was able to pick up that block with my bare hands immediately after coming out of the oven. A surprisingly awesome experience.
We are welcomed into the day’s press conferences, where we were informed more about Sunday’s launch of the CRS-7 Falcon 9 Dragon, and about the cargo and technology going up to the ISS on the mission. For those who are just learning (like I did…) CRS stands for Commercial Resupply Services. Falcon 9 is the type of rocket (owned by SpaceX), and Dragon is the vehicle carrying all of the cargo that heads to the Int’ Space Station.
In today’s press conference, we learned about some of the experiments and technology on board. Some of the hot topics include 
an experiment testing the ability to grow vegetables in space, subcutaneous medical implants that would supply astronauts with needed medicines, and a highly advanced and, frankly, futuristic holographic headset, called the Microsoft HoloLens, with which astronauts on the ISS would be able to actually see hologram images displayed in the real world to aid in various projects. As “Start Trek” as it sounds, this piece of technology has been described as turning science fiction into science fact and is the first of it’s kind. This is particularly intriguing to me because just 3 days prior, I learned that my brother helped design this high tech device with his peers at Microsoft. Proud of him, and excited to witness his work be launched into the future of space exploration. 
We finished the day with a tour of the VAB (vehicle assembly building), an enormous facility to work on and construct the “vehicles” heading to space.
This is only day 1 and already the question, “why am I here?” has been answered. I am here to learn and be inspired and never stop learning.
Day 2: The second day of the NASA Social took us through another press conference discussing some special experiments set to be launched to the ISS. A group of middle school students (and very well spoken, at that) described their year-long class project that is set to go up to the ISS. The project will examine worms, and their ability to compost in a zero-gravity environment. The hope is that they can, to perhaps help aid in future space agriculture. Let’s not discuss how I went wrong in 8th grade where my final science project was a tornado in a bottle (…well, I guess that worked out in the long run). The presser also covered launch day weather conditions, where we are in great shape! Only 10% chance of weather violations for launch day, but forecasters are confident in good conditions. I’m, clearly, listening in excitement and looking at weather conditions myself.
NASA Social attendees get an up close look at the experiments heading to the ISS. Here, we learn about the experiment to test the ability to grow vegetables in space. Perhaps very useful some day to sustain our astronauts with fresh food.
We were also allowed in the International Space Station Processing Facility which, in short, is one of the last stops for all things that go to the ISS. Another really fascinating tour to see of of the technology, and precision that must go into getting things to space. It’s clear to see, this is not easy work…this *is* rocket science.
Tomorrow is launch day, and I’m excited as a kid on Christmas Eve, unable to sleep!
Day 3: The day starts at 1:15am, where we all (sleepily) arrive for an early morning view of the launch pad. I have to say, this might be the coolest part of 
the NASA Social- having the badge and credentials to just roll in through high security, restricted areas of KSC at 1:15 in the morning. Not many can say they get to do that. We all boarded a bus to venture about 20 minutes east to the launch pad viewing area. What a sight. With the stars shining bright and the moon, as well, it’s hard not to be inspired by space exploration and how much more we will eventually discover. We are all looking forward to the launch later today.
After a short 3 hour nap back at my hotel, we’re back at the media center at 8am to go to the viewing area. We are set up about 4 miles away from the launch site, 
with a clear, obstruction free view over the Banana River. All media and social media are clustered together.
As the minutes tick by, many of the NASA Social attendees continue to tweet, periscope, and take photos for the big event. I, myself, did periscope through the event, but made sure it did not interfere with the experience and view of the launch. We get to the point where we hear “GO FOR LAUNCH”. My heart is beating fast, and others around me start divulging how fortunate they feel to attend today’s events.
As the minutes turn to seconds, the crowd goes silent…waiting to see and feel the experience. Commentary is voiced over a loudspeaker for all to hear. The count down goes…”10, 9, 8″…. my heartbeat is fluttering, and the anticipation builds more. “3, 2, 1, LIFTOFF of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, adding to the International Space Station access for future American rockets”.
Such an awe inspiring moment to see the rocket lift away, gliding smoothly upward into the sky.
The moment I saw the rocket lift, my jaw dropped open. I had an unintentional short, gaspy breath, just in awe of what I was witnessing. What an unbelievable feat to have this capability. I watched in amazement as the rocket smoothly soared to higher heights. In about 20 seconds after liftoff, I could feel the burst of air come across the water and blow my hair back. My hands are shaking at what I am witnessing. The noise is an unforgettable roar.
I watched so closely, snapping only a few photos and letting my Periscope run. About 2 minutes of amazement, until suddenly, the rocket seemed to disappear into thin air. Many, including myself, thought the rocket had gone high enough to go through the troposphere and out of view…there was applause. Then, seconds later, we hear the words “vehicle failure” from the commentator. Silence fell over onlookers. At first, confusion. What happened? Something has gone wrong. Hearing the voice of the commentator then describe confirmation that the rocket is in pieces was a devastating turn in emotions. Suddenly, so many feel a sadness, having witnessed a loss of all the hard work, technology, science, and for some, hopes and dreams of advancement, shattered in an instant.
Frame by Frame photos taken by Brenda van Rensburg of SpaceTripreneurs
I couldn’t believe the feeling I had just had. Extreme amazement, to sadness over all of the work that was just lost. As we filed back onto the bus, everyone was scouring social media to see what exactly went wrong. NASA Social members poured over their high quality photos to see what happened. The bus ride back to the media building was fairly quiet, with nothing but conversation and speculation of what went wrong.
After hours of expert analysis by SpaceX and NASA, another press conference was held to wrap up the launch. The national media now jammed in the press room, with not much extra space available. In fact, I watched the presser from an overflow room, as did many others.
In the time that passed, it allowed many of us to reflect what we just saw. While a lot was lost, it was only “things”. No people were on board, and most of the things can be replaced. These tweets from Scott Kelly, an astronaut on board the International Space Station, should remind us all, this isn’t easy stuff. This *is* rocket science. Failures are expected occasionally, but there will still be disappointment for all who have worked so hard. Despite this setback, we will continue the journey to discover deeper into space, and press on with our journey.
A view from above. Astronaut Scott Kelly watches as the Dragon launch fails
I am extremely thankful for the opportunity I was given to explore NASA’s Kennedy Space Center facility as I did with the NASA Social team. Despite the unfortunate ending, I was inspired; to never stop learning, to educate others, to be passionate about what you do, and most of all to never stop achieving your goals no matter how big the setbacks.
Be sure to visit my BLOG page to read up on some of my latest topics of interest. Here’s a snippet of my most recent blog.
June 30, 2015:
What an experience. This past weekend, I was lucky enough to get a “behind the scenes” style view of the SpaceX CRS-7 Falcon 9 Dragon launch at Kennedy Space Center. As you may know, the mission was unsuccessful, ending, unfortunately, in a total loss of the rocket and the 4000 pounds of supplies, technology, and experiments headed to the International Space Station. But, despite the loss, the 3 day NASA Social experience was unforgettable for me, and completely inspiring to witness all of the hard work, dedication, and science that goes in to these launches. I wrote up a full journal style entry of my experience, click here to read about my time at NASA!
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Kerrin Jeromin 