Terms, conditions and other small print

Applications

To apply, be sure to include your name, social media name(s) and contact information, and a few words with your motivation or interest in joining.

Only eligible applicants will be considered (see below), and, due to space limitations, not all applicants may be invited. Selected applicants will receive an email with a formal invitation no later than 29 January.

Applications are for one person only and are non-transferable. Please do not submit multiple applications. All applicants must be at least 18 years old on 10 February 2016.

While participation in SocialSpace is free of charge, you are responsible for all your own expenses related to travel, accommodation and other costs in connection with this event. WiFi access (with some geographical limitations), bus transfer to New Norcia from Perth and return, and some meals will be provided.

The application period closes on 28 January at 11:00 GMT - 12:00 CET - 20:00 AWST.

Once all applications have been reviewed, an email with a formal invitation, confirmation information and additional instructions will be sent to those selected, and to those on the waiting list.

We expect to send notifications no later than 29 January. Please allow us time to process all the applications; we will keep you posted of progress.

Eligible applicants

The Deep Space SocialSpace event is open to individuals who follow one or more of ESA’s social media accounts (including the astronaut accounts; see complete listing here).

Participation is also limited to those who live in, or are a citizen or permanent resident of, one of the eligible countries listed below:

• ESA Member State,
• ESA Cooperating State,
• EU Member State,
• Argentina, Australia,
• Any country whose spacecraft have been tracked by an ESA ground station.
   

The event is not open to regular ESA staff members, members of official delegations to ESA, direct, onsite, full-time contractors for ESA, nor any immediate family member of any of the aforementioned.

Applicants agree to provide ESA with their first name, family name, phone number, email address, town/city, country and one or more social media names.

Note that all visitors to Australia require a visa

Indemnification

By applying, you agree that ESA, its subcontractors and its partners are in no way liable for any claim for damages arising from any activity in connection with this event. This event is being conducted on a ‘best-effort’ basis and may be modified, delayed or cancelled by ESA at any time.

Certification

By applying to take part in Deep Space SocialSpace, you certify that:

• You are able to travel to New Norcia, Western Australia, and remain present at the event for its duration,
• You have government-issued photo ID (e.g. passport or national ID card),
• You are at least 18 years of age on 10 February 2016,
• You have or will obtain the required Australian visa, if attending from outside Australia (most tourists can do so online),
• You have full health, travel, liability and any other necessary insurance,
• You are the proper owner of the Twitter, Facebook, blog or other social media account under which you registered,
• You agree that ESA may share your name, town/city and social media account name(s),
• You understand and agree that Deep Space SocialSpace will be publicised, and that you may appear in photos, videos or other content published in one or more online channels.

Venue, outline schedule

Deep Space SocialSpace will take place 16:00–23:00, 10 February, and 08:30–23:00, 11 February, at the monastery and the ESA tracking station, New Norcia, Western Australia.

Participants are responsible for their own accommodation. While some rooms may be available in New Norcia, it is suggested that Perth city will provide more options. A bus will be provided for pick-up/return at a central location in Perth (to be communicated later).

On 10 February, the event will comprise a meet & greet, a presentation and a star-watching opportunity at New Norcia.

On 11 February, the event will comprise a series of presentations by ESA and Australian experts in the morning at the monastery, and, in the afternoon/evening, a guided, behind-the-scenes tour of ESA’s New Norcia tracking station, participation in the inauguration of the new NNO2 antenna and a BBQ dinner at the monastery.

Location, weather

The town of New Norcia and the ESA tracking station are located in Western Australia, about 140 km from Perth.

In February, the weather will be very hot, with temperatures possibly above 35C. Moving around the station includes walking outdoors in the afternoon. Participants must be prepared for hot, buggy weather and bring hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and suitable clothing/shoes. Water will be provided.

Questions

Send queries to: contactsocialspace@gmail.com or tweet using the hashtag #socialspacewa