On Monday, Netflix announced a partnership with NASA to broadcast live NASA missions, including rocket launches, astronaut spacewalks, and views of Earth from the International Space Station, NBC News reported. The initiative is part of Netflix's effort to expand live event coverage.
"The public will now have another option to stream rocket launches, astronaut spacewalks, mission coverage, and stunning live views of Earth from the International Space Station," NASA stated, as reported by The Wrap. "Together, we're committed to a Golden Age of Innovation and Exploration—inspiring new generations—right from the comfort of their couch or in the palm of their hand from their phone," said Rebecca Sirmons, General Manager of NASA+.
The collaboration aims to bring the public closer to scientific explorations that seek to unravel the mysteries of the universe beyond Earth. According to TechCrunch, NASA aims to reach a larger audience with this new partnership, which was announced on June 30, engaging more people in science and astronomy topics.
Under the agreement with Netflix, NASA will deliver its live programming directly to users, increasing accessibility and engagement with a global audience. While Netflix users will have access to the new NASA programming, users outside the platform will also be able to view the content for free in other places, including the NASA app and NASA.gov.
"Our NASA+ streams and live events will continue to be available on plus.nasa.gov, as well as our YouTube channel and other social platforms," NASA tweeted, according to Benzinga.
"The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 calls on us to share our story of space exploration with the broadest possible audience," Sirmons also stated. Additional programming details and schedules for NASA+ will be announced ahead of the summer launch, with specific dates yet to be confirmed. NASA did not specify the exact day when the live streams will begin on Netflix but stated that it will occur this summer.
The partnership is exciting news for astronomy enthusiasts, as it brings NASA's missions into people's homes and aims to engage space enthusiasts across popular platforms. Content about space is becoming increasingly popular, with users on social media commenting.
Netflix has been gradually introducing live TV content to its members, including live streams of rocket launches through NASA+, as part of its effort to expand live event coverage. Until recently, most of Netflix's live content was produced in-house or presented as exclusive live events. According to The Independent, NASA's broader efforts include connecting with as many people as possible through video, audio, social media, and live events.
"The goal is to bring the excitement of the agency's discoveries, inventions, and space exploration to people, wherever they are," NASA's news release stated. "Whether you're a space enthusiast or just love watching Earth shine from 400 kilometers up, the countdown has officially begun," Netflix stated in a blog post promoting the new NASA+ streaming service.
"Through this partnership, NASA's work in science and exploration will be even more accessible, allowing the agency to increase engagement and inspire a global audience in a modern media landscape, where Netflix reaches a global audience of more than 700 million people," NASA added in the statement.
Educational programming featured on the NASA+ streaming service thus far has included Elmo Visits NASA, The Traveler, and Lucy, The Wrap noted. NASA+ is currently available on iOS, Android, desktop browsers, Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV. For more information about NASA+, people can visit NASA.gov.
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