Multi-Player Facebook Space Game released by NASA

In a statement, NASA recently announced the release of its first multi-player online game. The game, released on Facebook hot on the heels of the Facebook IPO publicity, is designed to test a players’ knowledge of the space program.

Some of the typical questions included in the game, known as “Space Race Blastoff”, are: Who was the first American to walk in space? Who launched the first liquid-fueled rocket? These are only a few of the questions players can answer in Space Race Blastoff. The game was developed by Scott Hanger, Todd Powell and Jamie Noguchi of NASA’s Internet Services Group in the Office of Communications.

Space Race Blastoff, which is available for download now on Facebook, rewards players who correctly answer questions with virtual badges depicting NASA astronauts, spacecraft and celestial objects. Players also earn points they can use to obtain additional badges to complete sets and earn premium badges.

“Space Race Blastoff opens NASA’s history and research to a wide new audience of people accustomed to using social media,” said David Weaver, NASA’s associate administrator for communications. “Space experts and novices will learn new things about how exploration continues to impact our world.”

Once in the game, players choose an avatar and answer 10 multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer earns 100 points, with a 20-point bonus to the player who answers first. The winner advances to the bonus round to answer one additional question for more points.

The decision to release the game on Facebook was based on NASA’s desire to capitalize on the social media site’s large audience and enable players to compete against others, although individuals also can play solo games.

To access and play the game visit :http://apps.facebook.com/spacerace