INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION ASSISTS NORAD TRACKS SANTA PROGRAM

Courtesy Photo | PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – At approximately 12:00 p.m. EST, Dec. 24, 2019, International Space Station U.S. Army Astronaut Colonel Andrew Morgan spotted Santa and his reindeer flying over India “bearing south towards Sri Lanka.” We believe this marks the first time American Astronauts aboard the ISS are working directly with NORAD to confirm Santa’s location reports. The ISS travels at more than 17,000 miles per hour, and is located approximately 250 miles above Earth, which gives them a great vantage point to spot Santa on his annual journey around the world. The North American Aerospace Defense Command has been tracking Santa since 1955 when a young child accidentally dialed the misprinted phone number from a department store advertisement in the local newspaper, believing she was calling Santa. The number rang into the Continental Air Defense Command Operation Center and Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup was quick to realize the mistake and assured the child he was Santa. Thus a tradition was born that rolled over to NORAD when it was formed in 1958. Each year since, NORAD has reported Santa’s location to millions across the globe. NORAD appreciates the support of Colonel Morgan and the ISS team.  

COLORADO SPRINGS , COLORADO, UNITED STATES

12.23.2019

Courtesy Story

NORAD Tracks Santa

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – At approximately 12:00 p.m. EST, Dec. 24, 2019, International Space Station U.S. Army Astronaut Colonel Andrew Morgan spotted Santa and his reindeer flying over India “bearing south towards Sri Lanka.”

We believe this marks the first time American Astronauts aboard the ISS are working directly with NORAD to confirm Santa’s location reports.

The ISS travels at more than 17,000 miles per hour, and is located approximately 250 miles above Earth, which gives them a great vantage point to spot Santa on his annual journey around the world.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command has been tracking Santa since 1955 when a young child accidentally dialed the misprinted phone number from a department store advertisement in the local
newspaper, believing she was calling Santa. The number rang into the Continental Air Defense Command Operation Center and Air Force Colonel Harry Shoup was quick to realize the mistake and assured the child he was Santa. Thus a tradition was born that rolled over to NORAD when it was formed in 1958. Each year since, NORAD has reported Santa’s location to millions across the globe. NORAD appreciates the support of Colonel Morgan and the ISS team.

-30-

Media interested in speaking to NORAD Tracks Santa spokespersons on Dec. 24, can call [phone] or [phone].

Imagery from NORAD Tracks Santa events can be found at:
https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/NORADTracksSanta .

To RSVP, contact the NORAD and USNORTHCOM Public Affairs Office at 719-554-6889 or [e-mail] .

Follow us on social media:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/noradsanta/ and Twitter -
@NORADSanta.

• Date Taken: 12.23.2019
• Date Posted: 12.24.2019 12:00
• Story ID: 357134
• Location: COLORADO SPRINGS , COLORADO, US