NASA Tells Astronauts That Tweeting Isn't As Important as Staying Alive

The social media handbook for astronauts has just been released.

A copy of NASA's social media handbook for astronauts was released as part of a public records request, and it offers a fascinating look into the agency's policies for online astronauts.

It's a good document. Is there one particular detail that is really interesting? When their lives are in danger, it is advised that astronauts stop posting. Good advice for everyone.

Socialing

Along with not posting for personal or financial gain or exposing state secrets, social media efforts should always be considered secondary to the safety of the crew and vehicle.

A slide in the guidelines tells astronauts that "social media is voluntary and should be considered secondary to safety of mission and crew cohesiveness."

Politicking

The past and current tensions between the United States and Russia are an important detail of the guidelines.

NASA does a lot of social networking, but it takes a backseat to onboard safety.

It's a good thing that it's possible to go wrong while floating above the Earth.

A video shows what the International Space Station would look like if it flew over a plane.