Netflix partners with NASA for free live space streams
The NASA+ service includes live video of rocket launches, astronaut spacewalks, mission coverage and views of the earth from the International Space Station.
WASHINGTON — Netflix’s next bingeworthy show is literally out of this world.
The streaming giant announced Monday it was teaming up with NASA to bring the government agency’s NASA+ live programming to customers.
No details were provided about when the live broadcasts would launch on Netflix.
Because NASA is a publicly funded government agency, its livestreams are available to watch for free. But in the announcement, NASA officials said the partnership was a way to make it easier for people to tune in, without having to look specifically for a rocket launch or orbital camera.
“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. “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.”
The NASA+ service includes live programming of rocket launches, astronaut spacewalks, mission coverage and live views of the earth from the International Space Station.
NASA+ remains available for free, with no ads, through the NASA app and on the agency’s website.
Netflix has 282.3 million subscribers in more than 190 countries, and the announcement from NASA noted the company has around 700 million individual profiles under those accounts.
It’s the latest foray by Netflix into live-streaming content. In January, the company said it was partnering with WWE to bring the popular wrestling show “Monday Night Raw” onto the platform in a ten-year deal.
The company also hosted a live NFL broadcast on Christmas Day, featuring Beyonce as the halftime show performer. At least 65 million people tuned in to watch.