Celebrities tweet, politicians do it and your neighbor probably does, too. Now, NASA has announced Robonaut 2 will tell its story in 140 characters or less via Twitter. The prototype robot is scheduled to travel to space in November to give NASA a better understanding of human-robotic interaction.

Nicknamed “R2″ the robot launched its Twitter account @AstroRobonaut on July 26 and at publication time, already has more than 1,100 followers. With assistance from its support team, R2 will document preparations for launch and work aboard the International Space Station.

Have a question for R2? The public’s first chance to interview the space robot is Aug. 4 at 10 a.m. Twitter followers just need to tweet their questions to @AstroRobonaut with the hashtag #4R2. So what does one ask a robot? Does it enjoy Tang?

R2 was created at Johnson Space Center and will be shipped to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida in September for final testing and packing and is scheduled to be aboard space shuttle Discovery’s STS-133 mission, scheduled to lift off in November.

Originally intended to be an Earth-bound prototype, Robonaut 2 was created as a joint project between NASA and General Motors in 2007. Once in space it will be the first humanoid robot to reach orbit and first American-built robot at the space station. Eventually, with modifications, robots could assist astronauts inside and outside the space station especially when tasks are deemed are too dangerous for humans.

Speaking of space shuttle launches, the end of the Space Shuttle program has been pushed back to early 2011. If you cannot attend a shuttle launch, a visit to the Kennedy Space Center is still worth the trip, especially if vacationing in Daytona Beach, just over an hour’s drive south and less than an hour’s drive east of Orlando.

See rockets, simulated International State Station living quarters, and experience a simulated space shuttle launch just like the astronauts in the Shuttle Launch Experience. Hear what astronauts have to say while paying tribute to them at the Astronaut Hall of Fame.

Yup, pretty cool. Visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website to learn about all the other fab stuff happening and check out affordable lodging deals for Daytona Beach and Orlando.

Robonaut is just one of many NASA missions using Twitter and other social media sites. Find them all at: NASA.gov/connect.

We certainly agree it’s pretty cool driving along Daytona’s famous beach and we definitely fulfill our need for speed at the Daytona International Speedway. Of course, we can’t get enough of shiny chrome, leather chaps and that giddy-up throttle experienced during Bike Week (scheduled for Feb. 26 – March 7, 2010). But have ya heard what’s new in Daytona Beach? Here are three groovy attractions to check during your next Daytona Beach vacation.

Daytona Beach Aqua Safari
It may seem a bit odd boarding a red double decker bus at Daytona Lagoon, like the ones found zipping around London but it’s all about the experience during a Daytona Beach Aqua Safari adventure. Ride it to Ponce Inlet where visitors board a boat for a four-hour eco-tour to get up-close and personal to learn about the area’s ecosystem. The $50 per adult fee ($30 for children 12 and younger) also includes admission into the historic Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and the Marine Science Center.  Tel: 386/405-3445

Charles and Linda Williams Children’s Museum
This children’s museum opened in November 2008 and is the first hands-on science center in the area. Fifteen interactive exhibits demonstrate various principles of science, engineering, and physics within the 9,300-square-foot-wing of the Museum of Arts & Sciences. 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach; Tel: 386/255.0285.

Ohana Luau at the Hawaiian Inn
We’re not quite sure if poi is included but we’re betting an evening at the Ohana Luau at the Hawaiian Inn will include at least a ukulele, coconut bra or grass skirt. Dig out your favorite Hawaiian shirt, learn to swivel those hips and bring a hearty appetite to Daytona Beach’s only dinner show. Expect to be part of the show. The family-friendly and family-affordable show serves a bountiful, tropical feast. 2301 S. Atlantic Avenue, Daytona Beach; Tel: 386/255.5411

Now that the activities are selected, it’s time to book a Daytona Beach vacation with us. C’mon, try something different.

Hot dogs, fireworks and the smell burning rubber are an Independence Day holiday tradition in Daytona Beach when NASCAR rolls into the Daytona International Speedway. July 2 – 4, The World Center of Racing will host the Coke Zero 400 Weekend Powered by Coca-Cola Weekend with the 51st annual Coke Zero 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series being the highlight under the lights on Saturday, July 4. NBA basketball star Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets will serve as the Honorary Pace Car driver for the event, too. He’ll pace the 43-car field prior to the green flag waving.

The pedal is to the metal beginning Friday evening, July 3, with the Subway Jalapeno 250 Powered by Coca-Cola where NASCAR Nationwide Series drivers Brad Keselowski, Jason Leffler, Jason Keller, Kenny Wallace and Steve Wallace will compete as well as Sprint Cup Series stars Carl Edwards, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Clint Bowyer, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Joey Logano and David Ragan. Saturday, July 4 at 2 p.m., racers will be given the green light for the Brumos Porsche 250 Rolex Sports Car Series race. Racers will speed around 71 laps during the 250-mile race over a 3.56-mile road course full of twists and turns.

Off the track, race fans can check out entertainment, driver appearances and autograph sessions all at the Daytona International Speedway. Scoot on over to Daytona Beach’s Main Street for more Independence Day festivities including live music, a kids zone and plenty of food. The musically inclined will want to head over to Pioneer Settlement for the first Saturday event with fun and entertainment for the whole family including informal music jams, free workshops and food. Bring the dancing shoes, 3 p.m. there will be a barn-style dance.

Fourth of July weekend in Daytona Beach, Florida, promises to be action-packed. Take advantage of incredible accommodation deals before they race on by.

Photo Credit: United States Air Force