Later this month, NASA is launching more than rockets, as America's space agency puts it. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is set to release NASA+, its new, free streaming service this November. For space fans, this is pretty exciting news.
But what exactly is NASA+ and what will be streaming on it? How is it different to the agency's current platform NASA TV? Here's everything we know so far.
What is NASA+?
NASA+ is a streaming service that will showcase NASA's live coverage of missions, launches, research, and everything else the agency has in the works.
"We’re putting space on demand and at your fingertips," said Marc Etkind, associate administrator, Office of Communications, NASA Headquarters in a press statement.
NASA+ is a part of the agency's plan to transform its digital presence first announced in July 2023, also aiming to revamp NASA's websites and upgrade the NASA app. Jeff Seaton, chief information officer at the agency’s headquarters said that NASA's aim is to streamline "how the public engages with our content online."
How much does NASA+ cost?
NASA+ will be entirely free, with no subscription costs (NASA is a Congress-funded federal agency so this comes as no surprise). Needless to say, the service won't have ads, either.
Where can I watch NASA+?
NASA+ is set to launch Nov. 8.
The service will be available on all major platforms via the NASA app on iOS and Android for mobile, tablet, and smart TV devices. It will also be found streaming platforms like Apple TV, Fire TV, and Roku (where NASA has an existing channel) on both desktop and mobile devices.
How is this different to NASA TV?
According to a NASA representative, NASA+ is an on-demand streaming service, while NASA TV is a linear network with 24/7 programming.
"The streaming service will make it easier for NASA to share stories of innovation, exploration, and discovery with global audiences, as we work to land the first woman and person of color on the Moon through the Artemis program in advance of human exploration of Mars," said the rep.
What can I watch on NASA+?
While a full program hasn't been announced, NASA+ will feature a range of livestreams, mission updates, and behind-the-scenes videos much like NASA TV already does. What we do know is collections of NASA's original, Emmy-Award winning documentaries will be available, as will a handful of new series that will launch in coming months.
These include Space Out and Other Worlds, two new docuseries focusing on the intersection of music and the cosmos, and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), respectively. There are also some animated programs coming, like Lucy – featuring a five-eyed spacecraft embarking on zany adventures through the solar system – and The Traveler – starring a "curious being who dreams of intergalactic vacation destinations." NASA is consistently uploading new trailers to its YouTube channel.
Through its website and YouTube channel, the space agency regularly streams nail-biting mission moments, Mars rover landings, historic rocket launches, launch replays, undockings and splashdowns, findings, and more.
In recent historic moments, NASA TV has streamed the reveal of the first images from the JWST, the launch of the Artemis-1 moon mission, SpaceX's fiery Starship launches, and that time NASA smashed a spacecraft into an asteroid, among many, many others, so it's likely you'll be able to watch these on the platform, but details are still coming.
