NASA invites Twitterers to next shuttle launch

[October 15, 2009]  CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- NASA is inviting its Twitter followers to the next space shuttle launch.

The shuttle Atlantis was moved to the launch pad Wednesday for its planned liftoff on Nov. 12. The shuttle will deliver more goods to the International Space Station.

For the first time ever, NASA is holding a liftoff Tweetup. The first 100 NASA Twitter followers who sign up will get a tour of Kennedy Space Center and a front-row seat for Atlantis' launch. Registration opens Friday.

NASA has had Tweetups before, but never for a shuttle launch.

NASA says it wants to share the excitement of a shuttle launch with a new audience. Astronauts have been filing Twitter updates since spring, from both Earth and orbit.

[Associated Press; By MARCIA DUNN]

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