[meteorite-list] NASA's Curiosity Rover Checks-In on Mars Using Foursquare

From: Ron Baalke <baalke_at_meteoritecentral.com>
Date: Wed, 3 Oct 2012 11:58:22 -0700 (PDT)
Message-ID: <201210031858.q93IwMus010971_at_zagami.jpl.nasa.gov>

Oct. 03, 2012

John Yembrick / Jason Townsend
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1584 / 202-358-0359
john.yembrick at nasa.gov / jason.c.townsend at nasa.gov

Courtney O'Connor
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.
818-354-2274
courtney.m.o'connor at jpl.nasa.gov

Erin Gleason
PR Manager, Foursquare
917-859-0501
erin at foursquare.com


RELEASE: 12-341

NASA'S CURIOSITY ROVER CHECKS-IN ON MARS USING FOURSQUARE

WASHINGTON -- NASA's Curiosity Mars rover checked in on Mars Wednesday
using the mobile application Foursquare. This marks the first
check-in on another planet. Users on Foursquare can keep up with
Curiosity as the rover checks in at key locations and posts photos
and tips, all while exploring the Red Planet.

"NASA is using Foursquare as a tool to share the rover's new locations
while exploring Mars," said David Weaver, associate administrator for
communications at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "This will help to
involve the public with the mission and give them a sense of the
rover's travels through Gale Crater."

After landing in Gale Crater last month, Curiosity began a planned
23-month mission that includes some of Mars' most intriguing
scientific destinations. Curiosity is roving toward Mount Sharp, a
mountain about 3 miles (5 kilometers) tall. The rover is conducting
experiments along the way, seeking clues in the rocks and soil that
would indicate whether Mars ever was capable of supporting microbial
life. It is taking and sharing pictures of the trip.

Back here on Earth, Foursquare users will be able to earn a
Curiosity-themed badge on the social media platform for check-ins at
locations that generate an interest in science, technology,
engineering and mathematics. Available late this year, this new badge
will encourage Foursquare users to explore science centers,
laboratories and museums that pique scientific curiosity.

NASA has been on Foursquare since 2010 through a strategic partnership
with the platform. This partnership, launched with astronaut Doug
Wheelock's first-ever check-in from the International Space Station,
has allowed users to connect with NASA and enabled them to explore
the universe and re-discover Earth.

The partnership launched the NASA Explorer badge for Foursquare users,
encouraging them to explore NASA-related locations across the
country. It also included the launch of a NASA Foursquare page, where
the agency provides official tips and information about the nation's
space program.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) manages the Mars Science
Laboratory mission and its Curiosity rover for NASA's Science Mission
Directorate in Washington. The rover was designed, developed and
assembled at JPL, a division of the California Institute of
Technology in Pasadena, Calif.

To find out more about Mars Curiosity and NASA on Foursquare, visit:

http://www.foursquare.com/MarsCuriosity

and

http://www.foursquare.com/NASA

For information about NASA's partnership with Foursquare, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/connect/foursquare.html

For more information about NASA's Curiosity mission, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/msl

and

http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl
        
-end-
Received on Wed 03 Oct 2012 02:58:22 PM PDT


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