Picture Credit: NASA – Illustration by What’s on Netflix
Netflix is teaming up with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to bring its live programming directly into the Netflix user interface, featuring live streams of “rocket launches, astronaut spacewalks, mission coverage, and breathtaking, live views of Earth from the International Space Station.”
The live streams are expected to hit Netflix globally beginning this Summer, with multiple streams expected to be available at any given time. The addition of Netflix to NASA’s distributors will not impact live stream availability on other platforms, such as YouTube, nor will it affect NASA+. Only live streams are currently part of the deal, with archive footage and documentaries still being locked to the NASA+ website.
“The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 calls on us to share our story of space exploration with the broadest possible audience,” said Rebecca Sirmons, general manager of NASA+, in a statement released to the press today. “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.”
Some of the streams are also currently available on YouTube, such as the live HD views from the ISS that are being broadcast to 200 people as of the time of publishing this article:
Netflix already has a slate of space-related programming, including the excellent documentaries Challenger: The Final Flight, Apollo 13: Survival, Return to Space, and Unknown: Cosmic Time Machine.
Per Netflix, “Additional programming details and schedules will be announced ahead of the summer launch.”
With the rollout of Netflix’s new user interface on TVs, a broader, continued push into live programming is expected. Netflix has already streamed several types of live content, with sports drawing the biggest audiences, most notably the boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul last year, as well as NFL games, which will return in 2025. The WWE continues to go live each and every week in the US and across the world with various events. A few reality series have also aired live, alongside several experiments where Netflix partnered with U.S. zoos to stream live footage from various enclosures.
Picture provided by Netflix
Of course, Netflix is still playing catch-up to some of its competitors when it comes to live programming, including the newly announced collaboration with NASA. Many of its rivals already stream live sports and simulcast television content, while various FAST and AVOD platforms offer live programming from around the world.
Are you looking forward to watching NASA+ live on Netflix?
