You can watch the launch of the next crew to the International Space Station at a special viewing party at the Gilruth Center, located on NASA’s Johnson Space Center campus, starting at 2:45 p.m. CDT Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the facility’s Alamo Ballroom.

The public entrance to the Gilruth Center is off Space Center Blvd., between NASA Parkway and Bay Area Blvd., in Houston’s Clear Lake area. The gathering is open to the community and refreshments will be served on a first-come, first- served basis.

The party will commemorate the launch of three Expedition 37/38 crew members, including NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins, from a launch pad in Kazakhstan. Hopkins is making his first trip into space, beginning a six-month mission aboard the space station. 

As part of each astronaut’s training protocol, there is a physical fitness regimen that rivals some of today’s best athlete’s workouts. Hopkins has a special affinity for fitness and throughout his mission will be connecting with the community and sharing his workouts and approach to a balanced health and training program. As part of the launch viewing event, NASA’s Train Like an Astronaut team will be on hand to provide an overview of the program. The team will also share how you can become involved with the Mike Hopkins fitness campaign and challenges during his mission. 

Train Like an Astronaut focuses on increasing physical fitness among people of all ages, with activities modeled after the astronaut training.

For more about the program, follow the activities on Twitter at @trainastronaut, or visit:

https://www.facebook.com/trainastronaut

For information about NASA and agency programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov