Celebrating 75 Years at NASA Glenn

NASA Glenn Research Center celebrated 75 years in 2016 by hosting multiple events including open houses at Glenn's Lewis Field main campus in Cleveland, Ohio on May 21 and 22, and at Plum Brook Station in Sandusky, Ohio on June 11 and 12. These were free events that were open to the public, so, of course, I had to go! 

And I wasn't alone -- along with my husband and youngest son, the first open house at Glenn's main campus seemed like at least half of Ohio had also come out to tour the facility. Despite the long line just to park -- not to mention once we finally got inside -- we agreed that it was great to see so many people excited about NASA!

My husband and I have been to Glenn's main campus a few times before in Cleveland, but there was much more to see and do during their Open House. The full agenda is available to see on their website https://www.nasa.gov/feature/open-the-gates-nasa-glenn-invites-the-public-for-a-weekend-visit. We basically got to walk freely around the entire campus going into buildings and seeing projects. There were also speakers scheduled at various locations. It was amazing how many labs and projects we had such close access to see and explore. We also got to hear from so many of the scientists, engineers, and other employees who work every day on these amazing projects.

Astronaut Doug Wheelock

One of the speaker sessions on May 21 was with astronaut Doug Wheelock. The first time I met Doug was during my first NASA Tweetup (aka NASA Social) experience for the STS-135 launch of the Atlantis, the last space shuttle launch in July 2011. Wheelock was our tour guide the day before the launch out to a field that was barely a stone's throw away from the launchpad with the Atlantis space shuttle. That STS-135 pre-launch experience was such an amazing day -- and a close second to being almost as amazing as the launch itself! Ever since that hot July day, I had a niggling regret that I had not gotten his autograph on my NASA STS-135 shirt that I had several other astronauts autograph that I met during that experience... So, it was especially great to see Doug again so I could finally get closure by having his signature on my NASA shirt from that epic last shuttle experience. Thanks to Doug for signing it and being so gracious even though my request (and previous regret) probably sounded so strange!

My hubby, Scott Davis (left) and me "Indiana Julie" (right)

Our next open house took us to Plum Brook Station in Sandusky on June 11. Much like it had been in Cleveland, it was a very busy time again getting into the event although there was ample parking at the Kalahari Convention Center. Once inside there were lots of NASA exhibits and family-friendly things to see and do there. After a quick look around, we quickly figured out how to get in line for the line where we needed to get in line for the line to board the buses to head out to Plum Brook Station! Here's an overview about the various events there: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/nasa-glenn-s-plum-brook-station-invites-the-public-to-visit. 

The picture to the left is after we returned back to the convention center for more fun after all of our adventuring around Plum Brook Station.

One of my favorite parts of our visit to Plum Brook was learning more about Project Morpheus. Check out this video I took of Morpheus here: https://www.facebook.com/julie.tuttle/videos/10100119948160283/

Morpheus

Project Morpheus

B-2 and Morpheus

Morpheus is a NASA prototype planetary lander capable of vertical takeoff and landing. At Plum Brook, the experimental landing craft was located in the B-2 area. More precisely it was suspended over the open thermal vacuum chamber in the B-2 facility. Plum Brook Station's B-2 is the world's largest space simulation facility, and it is capable of full-scale rocket engine and stage testing.

B-2 and Morpheus again


Check out some more of my photos from the Plum Brook Station open house here: https://www.facebook.com/julie.tuttle/media_set?set=a.10100461100657943&type=3

I'm on Board for Orion's Exploration Flight Test

My name is on board Orion's first exploration flight test (EFT-1) scheduled for launch from Kennedy Space Center on Dec. 4. If you missed the Oct. 31 deadline (or didn't even know about this chance) to send your name into space, you can still submit your e-mail to NASA to be notified about future opportunities.

If you aren't sure what Orion is or why this test flight is important, check out this article about the "Five Things We'll Learn From Orion's First Test Flight."

I won't be in Florida to see the launch of EFT-1, but I was selected to attend a NASA Social on Dec. 3-4 at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. It will be my first time visiting this facility, and I'm excited for all the activities planned for the days that I'll be there.

Here's the two-day agenda:

Marshall Space Flight Center NASA Social for Orion’s First Flight Test

December 3 - U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Davidson Center for Space Exploration  

8:15 AM Board Bus to Marshall Space Flight Center

Redstone Rocket Test Stand (I'm second from the right)

8:30 AM Arrive at Gate 9 Redstone Arsenal  

8:45 AM Marshall Contributions to Orion’s First Flight Overview
Tour of the facility where the spacecraft adapter to mate Orion to the Delta IV and that will also be used to mate Orion to the Space Launch System was designed and built  

9:15 AM Advanced Manufacturing & 3D Printing
Learn about the Marshall Center’s contributions to the 1st 3D printer recently installed on the International Space Station  UPDATE: Check out this video I took of the 3D printer in action! 
https://www.facebook.com/julie.tuttle/videos/vb.56202830/867001630183/?type=3

9:50 AM BOARD BUS 

10 AM Propulsion Research & Development Laboratory.
Visit the Space Launch System Avionics and Software Lab where the SLS core stage avionics system is being developed and tested  

10:30 AM Nuclear Thermal Rocket Element Environment Simulator & iSAT tour
Learn about research the Marshall Center is doing on nuclear propulsion and with iSAT 

11 AM LUNCH 

11:30 AM BOARD BUS  

11:45 AM Arrive at TV studio  

12 PM – 2 PM Live KSC NASA Social/NASA TV Interactive Broadcast
This will be a live broadcast between Kennedy Space Center and all the NASA centers participating in the Orion NASA Social. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions from the panel of experts being broadcast live from KSC.  

2:15 PM BOARD BUS  

2:30 PM ISS Payload Operations & Integration Center & Laboratory Training
Complex. See where technicians, engineers, and scientists work around the clock
supporting the experiments onboard the International Space Station.  

3:30 PM BOARD BUS 

3:45 PM SLS Scale Model Acoustic Testing Demonstration at East Test Stand
Scale model acoustic testing is done on a scaled model of the Space Launch System to see how much water will be needed to dilute the massive sounds made by the rocket. You will get to see the model that is being used for the testing and also speak with experts who describe the process.  

4:45 PM BOARD BUS  

5 PM Arrive at USSRC  

December 4 - U.S. Space & Rocket Center

5:30 AM Arrive at USSRC Davidson Center

6 AM Live Broadcast of EFT-1 Launch 

7 AM – 10 AM USSRC activities – Orion simulation, MAT, etc. 

10 AM Live broadcast of splashdown  

I'll be posting on Twitter during my adventures at Marshall Space Flight Center. Also, check out my husband, Scott on Twitter. He was also invited to a NASA Social, but he's going to the one at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

Reaching for the Stars

"Until you write that story in your heart, you'll never be at peace." 

- Dorothy Hamilton, founder of Midwest Writers Workshop

I've been attending the Midwest Writers Workshop in Muncie, Indiana this week from July 25-27. This is my first time attending a writing/publishing conference, so I'm not sure how similar conferences compare to this one. However, I do know this conference has met and exceeded all my expectations so far. And there is still more to come tomorrow when I pitch to a literary agent!

Last year I saw the caliber of instructors and literary agents that were attending this conference, and I decided that in 2013 I had to be there. Midwest Writers, which is celebrating its 40th year, happens right near where I live and work. No excuses. I needed to do this. If I was ever going to get these stories out of head and onto tablets and bookshelves, I would need to attend this conference.

Most of my first day was spent in an intensive manuscript makeover. The instructors, Holly Miller and Denis Hensley, are wonderful instructors. Before the session I had submitted the first 10 pages of my manuscript for them to edit and critique. Their feedback along with advice and tips during the session has been so helpful and inspiring. I've already started making changes and edits to my science fiction novel based on their advice.

As part of that manuscript session we were to write a short bio about ourselves. I wrote a light-hearted and slightly silly one:

Julie Tuttle Davis lives in a small town in Indiana with her husband, two sons, and fur-kid dog named Ray. She enjoys science, summer, traveling, and comfort foods. You can occasionally find her visiting NASA and hanging out with astronauts. She’s never seen an alien (as far as she knows) but hopes to one day.

Since this blog originally started out as a way to chronicle my NASA adventures, I can't help but include a photo of me hanging out with astronauts Karen Nyberg, Luca Parmitano, and Fyodor Yurchikhin from earlier this year in Houston, Texas. Right now all three of them are on the International Space Station.

Ok, so even though I've had some amazing NASA adventures, I must admit that it has been a bit intimidating and surreal to see literary agents in-person at this conference that I've followed from afar on Twitter. Tomorrow I have a pitch with one of those agents, and a different agent is giving me feedback on the first five pages of my novel. I'm not sure if either of them will request to see my work, but I'm eager for the experience. What I've loved about this conference is gaining more knowledge. No matter the outcome with the agents, I'm feeling lucky just to get more insights and feedback on my work from these experts.

I've also found it so great to meet and talk with other writers during this conference, and I hope to keep in contact with them.

To be continued...

NASA is a Great Place to Visit

I don’t work for NASA (yet, maybe one day), but it is a great place to visit. That is one of the reasons why I made a whirlwind trip to NASA Headquarters in Washington D.C. on Feb. 13, 2012 for a news briefing on NASA’s fiscal year 2013 budget and then to NASA Glenn in Cleveland, OH on March 2, 2012.

I was selected by @nasasocial for a tweetup at NASA HQ where chief administrator Charles Bolden was presenting NASA’s FY2013budget. I said whirlwind trip above because I applied to attend it on Feb. 8. I was notified by NASA on the evening of Feb. 10 that I had been selected. I flew out from the Indy airport on Feb. 12. On Monday, Feb. 13, I was in DC visiting the Smithsonian Air and Space museum and NASA HQ.

NASA’s news briefing for the media--including for the first time social media peeps like me--was also broadcast live on NASA TV. The “citizen journalists” selected by NASA to attend this event were seated among journalists representing a variety of media outlets. I was seated in the row directly behind Charles Bolden and before the press conference he turned around to briefly chat with the three of us seated closest to him. He asked where we had come from. To my left was a businesswoman from Ohio. Bolden looked even more surprised and impressed upon hearing I had come from Indiana for this event. I hope information like that makes Bolden and others at NASA see how much the public truly appreciates and respects the work NASA is doing to explore and learn more about the universe under ever increasing budget constraints.

If you haven’t ever visited NASA HQ on a trip to D.C., you really need to make a stop there next time you’re in the area. Although most areas are off limits to the general public, there is a small gift shop and an impressive “secret” information center adjacent to their library where you can score on all kinds of free NASA swag. Yes, I said free. Posters, pamphlets, stickers, clings, bookmarks, and more all free. The library staff is great and very friendly (and if you’re really nice they might even let you touch a shuttle tile like I got to do!)

I had barely returned from that wonderful trip when I got waitlisted for the NASAGlenn Tweetup in Cleveland, OH to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of John Glenn being the first American to orbit the earth. For this tweetup I was allowed to take a guest, so my husband Scott and I both got to attend an exciting day of events that started at the Glenn ResearchCenter where we got to tour hangers and experiment labs as well as meet and talk with NASA employees doing all kinds of cool research. We then moved to the official visitors center at the Great Lakes Science Center before heading to the main event at Cleveland State University’s Wolstein Center.

We were seated on the main floor among a virtual who’s who of NASA VIPs. Speakers at the tribute to Glenn included NASA Administrator Charles Bolden and Glenn Director Ramon "Ray" Lugo. Space shuttle mission STS-95 pilot Steve Lindsey who flew on Glenn’s return flight to space also paid tribute to Glenn with a moving story about how his respect and admiration for Glenn only grew more the more he got to know him. The program culminated with the guest of honor, retired Senator John H. Glenn Jr., speaking to those gathered. For a man of 90 years young, Glenn was witty, charming, and sharp as a tack. He was a very inspirational speaker who said he appreciates the need to look back and recognize achievements such as his and NASA’s, but he is more concerned that we and NASA continue to look and move forward.

Everyone responsible for putting both of these NASA Tweetup’s together did amazing work. I continue to be impressed just not by the scientific work that comes from NASA but also their use of social media to increase their communications reach.

NASA describes their vision as follows: To reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind.

NASA's vision inspires me to want to do and learn more too. So if you ever want to get a glimpse of the future, feel inspired, and experience something larger than your own little corner of the world, I encourage you to visit NASA too. NASA welcomes the public to visit and tour many of their facilities. Whether it is your first time or a return visit, you too will know that NASA truly is a great place to visit.

The Shuttle and Tuttle

My hometown newspaper The Herald Bulletin ran a nice article on July 16, 2011 about my NASA Tweetup and shuttle experience. The image above was from the paper's homepage.

You can view the story on their website here: http://heraldbulletin.com/local/x1475587244/Anderson-native-awestruck-at-shuttle-launch. Here are also PDF versions of the newspaper's homepage and full story on A3.

Smile Because It Happened (Launch Day) - July 8, 2011

Post on July 8, 2011


Atlantis lit up in the predawn. I took this shortly after arrival.

After only a couple hours of light sleep, I woke up to my iPhone's sci-fi alarm at 2 a.m. We had been instructed yesterday (Thursday, July 7) to check to see if NASA was going to fuel up Atlantis. And sure enough, even though there was only a 30% chance of the weather being good enough for Atlantis to launch, she was being fueled up. By fueling up the shuttle this meant if NASA had to scrub the launch later that day there would be a 48 hour delay until the next launch attempt.

As I got up in the darkened hotel room, I hoped that I wouldn't be too tired to enjoy the main event of the day still scheduled for 11:26 a.m. EDT (and that the shuttle would actually get to launch!) Staying at an average hotel room in Titusville, my total stay of 6 days there was costing over $1200 for a room that usually goes for about $60 a night. I had booked the more expensive hotel to quiet my nagging fear of missing the launch while stuck in traffic trying to drive in from Orlando, where I had originally booked a hotel stay for a much cheaper cost.

I was also still trying that morning to arrange a ride into the tweetup since my boyfriend and kids would need the car to catch their boat ride out to the Banana River where they would be viewing the launch. Luckily, David let me hitch a ride into KSC with him again. In turn his girlfriend hitched a ride with my family.

VAB parking lot still fairly empty at 5 a.m.

As we left around 4 a.m. traffic was already starting to get bad, and hundreds of people were already waiting in the Astronaut Hall of Fame viewing area miles and miles away from the launch site. We also were seeing a bright glow on the horizon in front of us and wondered if it was the shuttle being illuminated at night. Upon our arrival back to the VAB parking lot, the lot was still rather empty but in the press area, tons of media were already filling up every available inch of space. And then we were greated with a beautiful site. Atlantis was lit up like a Christmas tree on Christmas morning (see above photo.) It was such a beautiful sight to receive in the early monring hours before the big present of the launch would, hopefully, be delivered to everyone.

Lori Garver made another appearance in our tent at the start of the day. I was surprised that she and other high profile NASA officials were coming to talk to us when surely they were very busy and about to have an incredibly hectic day. Just yesterday Angie Brewer, the flow director for Atlantis, had spoken to us even though she was scheduled to be prepping the space shuttle at 1 or 2 a.m. today. It was also surreal to see these NASA people show up in our tent and then moments later appear on the live NASA TV playing in our tent to address the media.

Here was the schedule of events for the big day:

Friday, July 8/ Launch: Tweetup Day 2

6:30 a.m. – Robotic Refueling Mission demonstration

7:00 a.m. – Group picture beside the countdown clock (Click link to view the photo. Can you spot me?)

7:05 a.m. – Astronaut Tony Antonelli, STS-119, STS-132

7:40 a.m. – Tweetup wave to the crew as they drive by in the astrovan on their way to the launch pad

8:00 a.m. – Bob Crippen, STS-1, STS-7, STS-41C, STS-41G

8:30 a.m. – Lt. Col. Patrick Barrett, 45th Weather Squadron, U.S. Air Force

11:26 a.m. – Launch of space shuttle Atlantis on the STS-135 mission



Me with astronaut Tony Antonelli

The weather wasn't as bad as it had been yesterday, but we were still getting rain on and off and on again. We went out to wave to the STS-135 astronauts as they were heading to the launch pad. Here is a photo from that:

The astronauts van in front of the VAB

After waving to Sandy, Rex, Chris, and Doug, I almost missed seeing astronaut Bob Crippin when making my way back to the tweetup tent. I was able to catch most of his discussion and shot this brief video of him.

Astronaut Tony Antonelli also spoke to us. He is learning Russian and going through a battery of physicals and tests to be in line for a launch on the Soyuz. 

Seth Green was at the NASA Tweetup event for the launch of shuttle Atlantis STS-135 too. Seth introduced the STS-135 theme song composed by Bear McCreary (creator of Eurkea and Battlestar Galactica's theme.) During the song, I recorded the live NASA TV stream that was playing in the tent as it was showing the STS-135 astronauts getting prepped for launch.

I also got to speak with Seth and tell him how much I enjoy his work. I told him that my sons and I really enjoy Robot Chicken Star Wars. He cringed a bit, looked concerned, and asked, "How old are your kids?" I  said their teenagers, 14 and 16 years old. He looked a bit more at ease but said, "That's right on the age line."

Me and Seth Green. He took this pic with my iPhone.

I wish I'd had something cool for Seth to sign like my Robot Chicken DVDs, but I didn't. At least I got a picture with him. I knew I'd need that to get credit with my teenagers. When my sons heard about me meeting Seth they were envious. I laughed when my 14 year old said to me later, "I hear Seth is concerned that I like to watch Star Wars Robot Chicken."

We were all getting very anxious for launch. On NASA TV we were watching the astronauts getting ready for the launch. Some NASA officials came into the tent to let us know that things were looking good with the weather for the launch. Soon thereafter people started to make their way outside. I had been frantically trying to charge up my video and still camera batteries. I was also having a last minute panic when my video camera SD card was full after recording the Bear McCreary song. I was so glad that I found out before the launch that my card was full rather than during the launch..

I made my way outside to check on the status of my tripod that I had set up when arriving that morning. There was someone who had set up a tripod directly behind me (that never showed up) as well as a crush of photographers on either side of me. Another NASA Tweetup person was near me too. The professional news photographers were rather rude to us NASA tweetup peeps, but I stood my ground. I wasn't going to move now and miss the launch. Besides, I'd staked out this spot a long time before they had shown up.

Waiting for the launch, I was very quiet. Some people were screaming. Others were making small talk. I was just taking it all in. I didn't want to forget this moment. I was also nervously fumbling with my video camera and borrowed SLR camera (which was constantly acting up.) While waiting for the launch I drafted a quick tweet: Ready for launch! Godspeed Atlantis. #STS135 #NASATweetup.

Here is my video from the launch:

The launch was spectacular! I had fortunately remembered to get my sunglasses from my purse moments before the launch. A delay happened at 31 seconds to launch, I wondered if that was it. Was it all going to end without a launch?

Then NASA made the decision to go for it! The countdown started again. A small cloud could be seen rising from the launch pad, and then almost in slow motion at first the shuttle started to rise into the sky.

There were moments that the exhaust flames were brighter than starring at the sun. I tried to take some pics and record the best video I could while not spending the whole time looking into either of them too much. I'm not a professional photographer or videographer, but I still wanted to have my own digital memories of the event. I also wanted to watch all of it with my own eyes. And it was all going by soooo fast!

Atlantis was high in the sky when the sound started to reach us. I was expecting it to be extremely loud maybe like a jet engine, but it was so much more intense. It started off just like a extremely loud jet engine noise. Then it became more so much more than just sound. It was a vibration and sound. I could actually feel the sound. There was a fluttering and rattling sensation happening inside my ribs and chest from the sound...it was amazing!

The cloud cover was very low so Atlantis disappeared into them rather quickly. We were not able to see the separation of the solid rocket boosters as this happened after they went into the clouds. I was slightly disappointed that I would never see that happen now, but I was also still recovering from how amazing everything else was that I had just witnessed.

The weight of the day had suddenly hit me. All of the history of this area. The astronauts had safely launched. It was the end of the shuttle era. This was my first and last shuttle launch. I hadn't jumped up and down. I hadn't yelled. I had just experienced it. I had just absorbed it all. After filming some more of the clouds and taking a few more pictures, I gathered up my tripod to head back to the tent to see what was happening on NASA TV.

I was starting to feel some tears coming into my eyes, but then I thought, "Don't cry because it is over. Smile because it happened." I came across another tweetup person whose name I don't recall because I was still recovering and processing everything I had just experienced. We chatted excitedly about what had just happened. I only realized later that my video camera was still recording so I have audio of that shuttle launch afterglow conversation.

Back in the tent we could see that Atlantis was making its way safely into low Earth orbit. It was amazing to think just moments before we had watched them take off and now they were in outer space. I had a tweet I had composed outside that I was still trying to send out because the wireless and 3G network had briefly gone out most likely from everyone trying to connect at the same time. Here is my tweet that finally went through: Amazing!!! Amazing!!! Amazing!!! Liftoff Atlantis!!! Last shuttle launch ever and my first one ever!!! Thank you, thank you #NASAtweetup

We got to stay in the tent awhile longer working on our photos, videos, and thoughts as well as tweeting away the afternoon. From M&Ms we got special limited edition (only 160 made) tins containing M&Ms with the date, shuttles, and 3,2,1 liftoff printed on them. We also got pins and shirts from niconico.com. My 16 year old son told me later that NicoNico was the Japanese version of YouTube.

At one point Trent Perrotto, a NASA public affairs officer, made his way over to our table. At our table was @DavidJulyan @KellySchwark @GrizzGuy @GoodGadd  Perrotto wanted to know what we thought. I was still babbling about it all being amazing...I wore out the word amazing that day.

Some people started to leave the tent. Stephanie and John invited people to come up to the mic and share their thoughts. Lots of us stayed and listened. I think a lot of us might have stayed there all day and into the night if they would have let us. And then like the not-so-subtle hint you give to a house guest that is overstaying their welcome, we were told, "Feel free to stay, but we're shutting off the wi-fi soon."

I figured out a ride off of KSC grounds. While waiting for my ride out, I stood outside in the press area soaking in my last few moments there. Most of the media had already left. Somewhere in that press area field I lost my NASA button that I had gotten five years earlier on my first visit here. My small offering to the NASA grounds. It seemed like more than a fair trade.

On our way out to the VAB parking lot, we saw that the doors to the VAB that are normally closed were wide open and music was floating out into the steamy Florida afternoon. Jimmy Buffet was playing live in there. The NASA employees were having a big party to end all parties. I'm sure this day was very emotional for NASA employees on many levels. Some would no longer have a job after this final launch.

30 years of space shuttles had been a good run. Now we must look to the future...may it hold even better space adventures for all of us!

Find more of my pictures from this day on Flickr:

NASA Tweetup - July 8, 2011 http://www.flickr.com/photos/50320537@N03/sets/72157627049610481/

Atlantis STS-135 Launch - July 8, 2011 http://www.flickr.com/photos/50320537@N03/sets/72157627168865422/

Shuttle Atlantis STS-135 Predawn - July 8, 2011 http://www.flickr.com/photos/50320537@N03/sets/72157627168805042/

Also be sure to check out NASA HQ's Flickr account at:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/nasahqphoto/ 

Best of Times and Worst of Times - July 7, 2011

Post from July 7, 2011

The first day of the NASA Tweetup started very early, before sunrise. I had arranged to carpool with two other space tweeps (Nicole from Canada and Jeremy from Twitter) who were staying at hotels in Titusville near where I was staying too. The driver, Nicole, experienced an unexpected delay. She still needed to get her badge, but when she showed up at 5 a.m. for her to get it...they did not have her information. Without it she would not be able to drive us to the Vehicle Assembly Building (VAB) parking lot near the press area and tweetup tent. Luckily while there we ran into a super nice and helpful Englishman, David Julyan (a film composer), who was also attending the NASA Tweetup. He offered to give Jeremy and I a ride. [It took Nicole several hours, but fortunately she got things straightened out to attend.]

We arrived at the Vehicle Assembly Building parking lot and on the walk over I snapped this picture of me with VAB in the background. The VAB is huge! It houses the space shuttles between launches. The american flag painted on it is enormous. To attempt to grasp the large scale of the building, just the blue star field area of the flag is the size of a regulation basketball court!

The sky was very gray that morning and a few rain drops were already falling on us during the walk to the press area and the tweetup tent. The rain would only get worse as the day progressed. On the walk over I started meeting other participants including Shannon who, although not a NASA employee, is the defacto den mother of these tweetups.


We also got introductions from many of the wonderful NASA people making this event possible like @schierholz @yembrick @bethbeck @jtowns. I had met Stephanie Schierholz in person yesterday when getting my badge. She has done a lot of amazing hard word to get NASA to embrace social media and hold these tweetup events. Beth Beck came over to the table I was seated at along with Jeremy, @pillownaut, @s_boots, and @aewrght.) Beth is working on the wonderful Fragile Oasis website (http://www.fragileoasis.org/)  with @Astro_Ron Garan who is currently onboard the International Sapce Station. Weeks early before even applying for this tweetup I actually follwed a live tweetup given by Ron on Twitter from the ISS, and I had found out then about some of the exciting work and positive changes that Fragile Oasis wants to bring to our planet. Lori Garver, the Deputy Administrator of NASA kicked off the event (her picture at leftt) and Bill Gerstenmaier, associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters (his picture at right) also spoke to us.

Here is the schedule for the Thursday events (even though things got pretty off schedule after the the Elmo and astronauts presentation because we were having a severe thunderstorm with lightening, and we were not allowed to leave the tent for over an hour.)

Thursday, July 7/L-1: Tweetup Day 1

•  Tracy Thumm (@ISS_Research) and Justin Kuglerm (@ISS_NatLab), International Space Station Program, NASA's Johnson Space Center spoke to us
• Elmo, Sesame Street (@SesameStreet) interacts with STS-109 and STS-125 Astronaut Mike Massimino (@Astro_Mike) and STS-120 Astronaut Doug Wheelock (@Astro_Wheels)
• Massimino and Wheelock answer questions from the tweetup participants
• Angie Brewer, space shuttle Atlantis' flow director, Kennedy Space Center
• Lunch at the employee commissary
• Board buses for Launch Pad 39A to view the retraction of the Rotating Service Structure.
• Tour inside of the VAB
• Visit to the Apollo Saturn V Center

Here are some photos from the morning:

Me with astronaut Mike Massimino

I was sitting so close I was able to get in the picture!

Mike Massimino, Sesame Street's Elmo, and Doug Wheelock

I have about an hour of video with Mike Massimino, Doug Wheelock, and Elmo that I've uploaded to YouTube in multiple parts: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4. NASA was also airing this live on ustream, and their recording of it is available here: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/15849221/highlight/185193. Doug stayed with us throughout the day and had so many amazing stories to tell us.

It was still very hot, muggy, sticky, and raining outside, but after the torrential rain and severe lightening storm had passed we were able to go eat lunch. Joining me at my table for lunch were Jason Snell (Editorial Director of Macworld) and Teresa Isaac (a former mayor.) One of the incredibly cool things about this event were all of the interesting and successful people from all different professions and walks of life that I was getting to meet and talk with during the tweetup.

Because of the terrible whether we weren't sure that we would get to see the Rotating Service Structure (RSS) retraction that would revel the shuttle Atlantis. Fortunately there was a break in the rain, and we were able to head out to see Atlantis on the launch pad!

Rolling up to Atlantis on launch pad before RSS retraction

Me with Doug Wheelock right before RSS retraction

Atlantis on the launch pad after RSS (to the left) was retracted

Me with Atlantis

After getting to see Atlantis up close, we got back on the buses to go tour the inside the VAB. Being able to go inside the VAB is something very special since only NASA employees typically get access and not even reporters are often not allowed such access. Since the building is so large, I have posted a video here that tries to give a glimpse of the vastness of it.

This day had so many amazing moments and went by so quickly, I cannot possibly capture it all in this one post. I called this post the best of times and worst of times because there were so many wonderful experiences and events (the best of times) however I looked terrible from being rained on all day. It was hot and I was very sweaty so every picture of me looks really awful (the worst of times.) I have lovely "swamp hair" in every photo to immortalize such an amazing time in my life. Yet, I wouldn't trade anything that happened during the day, and it was an amazing day that I will never forget.

We left KSC this day not knowing whether the launch will scrub or delay on July 8. We've been told that if Atlantis starts fueling at 2 a.m. then we should expect them to try to launch on Friday. We are allowed back at the press area as early as 5 a.m. And with traffic expected to be terrible with a million people trying to watch the launch we'll be leaving very early to drive back. I'll be getting up very early again if they start to fuel Atlantis at 2 a.m.. No (or very little) sleep until launch, I guess.

To view more of my photos from this day, go to my photos from that day at NASA Tweetup - July 7, 2011

Day Before NASA Tweetup - July 6, 2011

Post from July 6, 2011

Today was the first day we were allowed to pick up our NASA Tweetup credentials so that is what I went to do right away in the morning. I got a schwag bag full of all kinds of NASA goodies including posters, toys, freeze dried ice cream, and STS-135 patch, pin, and sticker. (You can see more of it here on my Flickr account.)

I also got a free two-day admission to the Kennedy Space Center (KSC.) Our next stop was the KSC visitor complex  to get Scott and my two sons admission tickets so we could spend the day there. We watched the IMAX Space Station 3-D movie (which we’d seen before) and the IMAX 3-D Hubble movie (which we've been wanting to see for a long time now.) The Hubble movie had amazing imagery and featured an astronaut, Mike Massimino, who is a scheduled speaker tomorrow, July 7 at the NASA Tweetup!

We shopped at the gift shop where I bought way too much stuff--since I’d already ordered stuff online from home before the trip too-- including more shirts, hats, and a really cool pair of shuttle earrings. After viewing a few other exhibits, we then caught a bus to go out to the observation area near the shuttle which as close as regular visitors to KSC can get to see it on the launch pad.

Here is a photo of my sons, Matt and Ethan, with shuttle Atlantis in the background behind them in the distance.

We then made our way out to Cape Canaveral to see the SpaceX Dragon Spaceship on display. SpaceX has former astronauts working there in cooperation with NASA's commercial space division. They are working on private spaceships that might just be the future of American spaceflight.

You can view more of my photos from this day:

• SpaceX- July 6, 2011
• KSC - July 6, 2011

NASA Photos Uploaded to Flickr

I've got some photos uploaded to Flickr from my time at Kennedy Space Center on July 6-8 for the NASA Tweetup and shuttle Atlantis STS-135 launch. You can check them out here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/50320537@N03

I'm working on still tagging them all, but I've at least got them semi-organized into sets.

More to come...

NASA Tweetup and Launch Day for Shuttle Atlantis

Both today and yesterday have been so an amazing that it will take me some more time to pull together all my thoughts, photos, and videos from the truly once in a lifetime experience that was this NASA Tweetup for the last shuttle launch ever.

Yesterday was the first day of the NASA Tweetup. Today was the launch of the space shuttle Atlantis. So many amazing things happened so quickly that I will have further blogs posts to share all of that very soon.

For now I'm sharing here some raw footage I shot from today of the liftoff. It is very jittery but still amazing. The sound and the bright blast were beyond words. I'll have much more to share later after I've finally gotten a bit of sleep :)

Shuttle Launch Video



NASA Astronaut Mark Kelly Announces Retirement

Captain Mark Kelly an astronaut with NASA since 1996 announced his retirement today from the U.S. Navy and NASA effective October 1. He has served his country with honor.

Kelly understandably wants to spend more time with his wife, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, as she continues her recovery following the Tucson tragedy. Even though many, including myself, knew little about them before that terrible day, people across the nation and the world now hold a special place in their hearts for the couple. I wish them all the best and look forward to reading the book they plan to work on together.

Included in his announcement was a wonderful sentiment that sums up the importance of continued space exploration and the crucial part NASA plays in leading us into the future.

"I know that as our space program evolves, there are those who will question NASA's future. I am not among them. There isn't a group more dedicated to its mission or more capable than the outstanding men and women of NASA. Exploration is a critical component of what makes our country great. We will continue to explore and NASA will continue to lead that effort."  - Captain Mark Kelly on June 21, 2011

NASA Tweetup and Last Shuttle Launch Guide

I’ll be using this blog to chronicle my experiences with NASA Tweetup. On this blog you can keep track of what I will being doing in the weeks leading up to the NASA Tweetup as well as when I am at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 7-8, 2011. I'm sure I'll have lots of amazing photos and videos to share here. Make sure to follow me on Twitter at @julieanntuttle for updates too.

Since getting the amazing news from NASA exactly a week ago that I would be seeing the last launch of the space shuttle Atlantis, I’ve been getting a lot of questions from friends, family, and co-workers about this tweetup event and the shuttle launch. To answer some of those questions, I’ve put together a list of resources you can use to keep up with the last shuttle launch and the NASA Tweetup event.

What is a NASA Tweetup?

A Tweetup is an informal meeting of people who use the social messaging medium Twitter. NASA Tweetups provide @NASA followers with the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes at NASA facilities and events and speak with scientists, engineers, astronauts and managers. NASA Tweetups range from two hours to two days in length and include a "meet and greet" session to allow participants to mingle with fellow Tweeps and the people behind NASA's Twitter feeds. Registration for NASA Tweetups will be announced on Twitter @NASA and @NASATweetup. (Taken from NASA website.)

What is STS-135? Each NASA launch and mission has a designation. Atlantis is on mission STS-135 to the International Space Station.

NASA Tweetup STS-135 (aka Atlantis Shuttle Launch Tweetup) -  information about the STS-135 NASA Tweetup registration and event.

Google Map of STS-135 – show locations of Tweetup activities at KSC. Also contains locations of the 150 national and international attendees.

NASA Tweeps Selected to Attend STS-135 Tweetup - attendees of the #NASATweetup at Atlantis' launch, targeted for July 8, 2011. (Look for me @julieanntuttle)

NASA Tweetup Wiki – excellent one stop resource of general information and links to attendee lists, images, blog posts, projects, etc.

Resources to Find Out More about NASA’s Launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis

Official NASA STS-135 Mission Information – Contains astronaut crew profiles along with mission overview.

NASA on Social Network Sites - Lists websites and social media where you can connect and collaborate with NASA.

STS135 References Wiki – Links to lots of resources and information.

CBS News Space: STS-135 Flight Data - Contains extensive list of launch windows, detailed technical specs, and a countdown clock.

Launch Photography – You’ll of course find lots of great pictures here. If you plan on seeing the launch in person, there is also a very helpful page about the best places to view a launch.

Google Map of Best Places to View the Launch – Over a million people are expected to view this historic last launch. If you are planning to go, you better have a plan.

Space Shuttle Atlantis – On this NASA webpage you’ll find lots of information about the Atlantis shuttle.

Making Difficult Things Look Easy

I’ve always been impressed with NASA, but my admiration has mostly been about all the stuff that goes along with space exploration. And there is no shortage of impressive stuff that comes into my mind when I think about NASA. When someone says NASA, the obvious associations are astronauts, astronomy, ships, suits, stars, planets, probes, rovers, rockets, moon rocks, exploration, experiments, and on and on.

Since I am a marketing and communications professional, I really appreciate what it takes to make things happen like this NASA Tweetup. NASA is doing great things with social media, event planning, media relations, and their websites (they recently won at the Webby awards.) So along with all of the wonderful space stuff they do, I am now adding social media pioneers, PR professionals, and Web wizards to the list of things I admire about NASA.

The other night I was listening to an excellent interview with NASA’s spokesperson and social media manager Stephanie Schierholz about their PR and social media strategy and tactics. The interview runs about 60 minutes, but it is a very interesting peek into how NASA manages over 200 social media accounts, astronauts tweeting and checking in on foursquare from space, and the management of their very popular Twitter @NASATweetup events. Check it out here: http://betteratmarketing.com/nasa-stephanie-schierholz/.

Today I listened to an interview with STS-135 pilot Doug Hurley (www.twitter.com/astro_doug) discussing the upcoming Atlantis launch. He mentioned something that I deeply admire and understand when he said that launching people into space isn’t easy. Launching people into space is a difficult business, but they just make it look easy.

Making difficult things look easy. This is what professionals do. This is what separates the super successful from the rest. Making difficult things look easy isn’t easy. It is the result of a lot of planning, training, and countless hours of unseen hard work. And it often can go under or unappreciated because it looks easy.

I mentioned Web wizards above because I sometimes joke at work about my magic wand. During my many, many years of working on websites and having quite a few of them recognized for national awards and recognitions, I’ve realized that most people still do not understand or appreciate the amount of work it takes to create high quality websites. I don’t use a magic wand. But making difficult things look easy can make it look like magic to others.

The people that work at NASA are making difficult things look easy everyday. I’m glad I’ll get the chance to tell some of them in person very soon that I admire and appreciate all the hard work they do to make it all seem like magic. 

STS-135 NASA Tweetup CONFIRMATION

I was having a typical workday on Friday, June 10 filled with assorted tasks and meetings until something not typical happened to me. I got an unexpected email that soon had me literally (and yes, I know what literally means and I do mean literally) jumping around my office with excitement. It is not everyday that you get an email from NASA especially one that starts with "Congratulations, you have been selected to attend the NASA Tweetup on July 7-8 for space shuttle Atlantis. The event will provide you the opportunity to speak with shuttle technicians, engineers, astronauts, and managers, and to experience the launch of space shuttle Atlantis to the International Space Station."

I'm one of only 150 tweeps that love NASA and use Twitter (see www.twitter.com/NASATweetup) that have been selected for an amazing experience meeting NASA professionals, exploring the Kennedy Space Center, and then witnessing history with the very last space shuttle launch ever.

My mind is still racing with everything that this wonderful opportunity means both personally and professionally. Besides seeing a shuttle launch for the first (and last) time in my life, I am already feeling this experience is going to mean so much more than I can even imagine right now.