NORAD to Break Out New Technology to Track Santa

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on December 19, 2008 - 12:13pm.

Peterson Air Force Base, Colo. - The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said that it plans to utilize several new technologies this Christmas to help people follow Santa's journey from the North Pole.

For the first time, NORAD will use its Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) to allow members of the international media to conduct satellite interviews with experts actively tracking the progress of Santa.

Also new, the general public will be able to get updates on Santa's travels using Twitter.

Once logged on to the service, users can follow @noradsanta to receive location updates and participate in holiday conversations.

In addition, a toll free number (1-877-Hi-NORAD) will allow children to call and personally speak to one of more than 1,000 volunteer Santa trackers on Christmas Eve.

The volunteers will be answering children's emails to noradtrackssanta@gmail.com, as well.

A year ago, 1,012 volunteers answered 94,743 telephone calls and 10,326 emails from children.