Does NASA have a TV channel?

NASA’s TV Evolution: From Broadcast to Streaming and Beyond!

For ages, NASA’s been beaming out its incredible work via a dedicated TV channel, giving us a front-row seat to space exploration. What started as a way for NASA folks to keep tabs on missions has morphed into a cool, multi-faceted channel. Think educational shows, live mission coverage, and news straight from NASA centers – pretty neat, right? But things are changing, and how we watch stuff is totally different now. So, NASA’s rolling with the times!

The Good Ol’ Days of NASA TV

Back in the early 80s, NASA TV, originally called NASA Select, officially launched. It wasn’t just for show; it was a clever way to archive footage, feed media outlets, and keep everyone at NASA in the loop during missions. NASA TV was broadcasted via satellite and, even better, you could catch it streaming online! Since NASA’s creations are public domain, local cable companies and even amateur TV buffs could share NASA TV with their audiences. Talk about accessible!

Over time, NASA TV really upped its game. They added different channels like the Public Channel, Media Channel, Education Channel, and even an awesome International Space Station (ISS) HD Earth Viewing Experiment. And in 2010? Boom! A high-definition version of the Public Channel hit the airwaves. We’re talking regular shows like “NASA Gallery,” “Video File,” “Education File,” “This Week @ NASA,” “NASA Edge,” and “NASA 360.” There was always something cool to watch.

Hello NASA+, Goodbye NASA TV

Fast forward to July 2023, and NASA dropped a bombshell: NASA+, a brand-new streaming platform! Think Netflix, but for space nerds. This ad-free service lets you binge live streams of missions, original documentaries, and even shows for kids. You can snag NASA+ through the NASA app on your phone (iOS and Android), on your computer’s browser, or on media players like Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV. Pretty much everywhere!

With more and more people glued to digital screens, NASA decided to retire NASA TV and go all-in on NASA+. August 28, 2024, was the end of an era. The last thing to air on NASA TV? “Artemis I: The Documentary.” A fitting send-off, if you ask me.

Catching NASA’s Content Today

So, NASA TV is gone, but don’t fret! There are still tons of ways to get your NASA fix:

• NASA+: This is your go-to spot for all things NASA, from live streams to original shows.
• NASA App: The official NASA app is like a Swiss Army knife for space fans. You get NASA+, plus images, news, and even podcasts.
• Streaming Services: Keep an eye out; you might find NASA content on other streaming platforms you already use.
• Social Media: NASA loves to stream live events on YouTube, Facebook Live, and even Twitter.

By focusing on NASA+, they’re aiming to reach more of us and make it easier and more fun to explore the universe. And honestly, who doesn’t want that?