NASA's next launch is an OTT platform to let you livestream its space explorations

US space agency NASA has officially announced its latest venture into the world of modern livestreaming with its brand new streaming platform, which promises to provide an array of space-related content to the public. The aim of NASA+ would be to make space exploration more accessible and engaging to a wider audience.

While an exact launch date is not yet specified, NASA has revealed that the beta version of the service will be available "later this year".

Unlike traditional cable-like content, NASA+ will offer on-demand streaming capabilities, allowing viewers to select the content they want to watch, similar to popular streaming services like Netflix. 

This shift from traditional TV-style programming to on-demand streaming indicates NASA's desire to adapt to changing viewing habits and cater to a tech-savvy audience.

Accessibilty and content

NASA+ will be accessible through various platforms, including iOS, Android, and web browsers.

• It will also be supported on popular streaming devices such as Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV, ensuring that users can access the content easily on their preferred devices.

The content on the new platform is expected to be diverse, featuring the agency's Emmy award-winning live coverage and exclusive original video series. 

• Viewers can look forward to content on exoplanet research, Earth's climate, solar system exploration, and much more. 

The big deal

The biggest advantage it will hold over its competition is that it will be completely free and devoid of advertisements, in line with NASA's mission to make its space exploration endeavors accessible to all, without any financial barriers. 

This new streaming service will also serve as an upgrade to the current NASA TV platform, which primarily streams cable-like content on the agency's website and YouTube. NASA TV, with its 24/7 content, will transition into NASA+, allowing viewers to watch space-related programming at their convenience.

Looking forward, NASA intends to livestream upcoming space missions through NASA+. 

For instance, the Crew-7 mission to the International Space Station is targeted for launch on Monday, August 21, with a backup opportunity available on Friday, August 25.

By streaming such events live, NASA can provide real-time access to space missions, allowing people to witness historic moments as they unfold.

A few notable upcoming missions like Artemis 2 (planned for 2024) and Artemis 3 (planned for 2025) are also likely to be available for live streaming through NASA+. These missions involve crewed test flights and lunar landings, and NASA aims to include the first woman and first person of colour to land on the Moon during the Artemis 3 mission.

NASA+ represents a significant step for the space agency in embracing the digital era and making space exploration content more easily accessible to the public.