NASA’s upcoming launch entails OTT platform enabling live streaming of its space explorations
NASA has made an official announcement about its new foray into modern livestreaming with the launch of NASA+, a dedicated streaming platform. This platform aims to offer a diverse range of space-related content to the general public, with the goal of making space exploration more accessible and captivating for a broader audience.
Although an exact launch date remains unspecified, NASA has disclosed that the beta version of their new service, NASA+, will be accessible “later this year.” Distinguishing itself from traditional cable-like content, NASA+ will adopt an on-demand streaming model, enabling viewers to choose specific content they wish to watch, akin to popular streaming platforms like Netflix. This transition signifies NASA’s aspiration to accommodate evolving viewing preferences and cater to a tech-savvy audience.
NASA+ will be conveniently accessible through multiple platforms, including iOS, Android, and web browsers. Moreover, it will be compatible with popular streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV, ensuring effortless access to content on users’ preferred devices.
The platform’s content is expected to be rich and varied, showcasing the agency’s Emmy award-winning live coverage and exclusive original video series. The most significant advantage it offers over competitors is its completely free nature, devoid of any advertisements. This aligns perfectly with NASA’s mission to make space exploration endeavors accessible to everyone, without any financial barriers.
For example, NASA plans to launch the Crew-7 mission to the International Space Station on Monday, August 21, with a backup opportunity on Friday, August 25. By livestreaming these events, NASA can offer real-time access to space missions, providing people with the opportunity to witness historic moments as they happen.
Several significant missions on the horizon, including Artemis 2 (scheduled for 2024) and Artemis 3 (planned for 2025), are likely to be live-streamed through NASA+. These missions encompass crewed test flights and lunar landings, with a groundbreaking objective to include the first woman and first person of color to set foot on the Moon during the Artemis 3 mission.
The introduction of NASA+ marks a momentous stride for the space agency, signifying its embrace of the digital era and its commitment to providing the public with effortless access to space exploration content.
