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Space Station Astronaut: 'Hello Twitterverse!'

NASA rigs space station computer to control earth-bound one

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 22, 2010 2:22 PM CST

(Newser) – The space station gained live internet access for the first time this morning, prompting one astronaut to send a historic message: “Hello Twitterverse! We r now LIVE tweeting from the International Space Station -- the 1st live tweet from Space! :) More soon, send your ?s” Okay, Neil Armstrong he ain’t, but NASA rigged up the system mostly for fun anyway, and to help astronauts stay connected.

“It’s mostly for personal use,” a NASA spokesman tells Space.com. Astronaut TJ Creamer, who sent that landmark tweet, set up the system in his free time, working with earthbound engineers. The space station’s laptop doesn’t enjoy direct access to the net; instead, it uses an antenna to take control of a broadband-connected computer on earth. Expect regular Twitter updates from Creamer and two other astronauts (@Astro_Jeff and @Astro_Soichi).

The International Space Station now almost has as many amenities as a Holiday Inn.
The International Space Station now almost has as many amenities as a Holiday Inn.   (AP Photo/NASA)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 7 comments
passinthru
Jan 23, 2010 12:56 PM CST
one...giant tweet for man kind.
riffran
Jan 23, 2010 2:56 AM CST
talked with them on packet radio before..(amatuer radio 2 meter FM) nothing earth shattering though..still waiting on the QSL card..lol
Suzylnn
Jan 23, 2010 1:14 AM CST
...and we thought landing on the moon was a big deal! :D

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