NASA's Next Launch is...a TV Channel

There seems to be a growing trend of space-based TV shows and movies. That's not to say there has ever been a lack of science fiction, but lately more media has been focusing on science near-fiction. Warp drives and phasers have been replaced by more probable narratives, like missions to Mars or a moon of Jupiter (apparently doable.) Examples please? Gravity. The Martian. Europa Report. Considering the foretold effects of global warming, Interstellar seems plausible. A couple of older films, Contact (minus the alien-wormhole thing) and Deep Impact, also deserve an honorable mention.

Well now the most scientifically factual entertainment ever created will be available in the United States. That's because NASA is launching an ultra-high-definition TV channel that will be available through cable subscriptions as well as online (yay cord-cutters!). Programming will feature daily operations aboard the International Space Station (ISS), views from the Hubble telescope, and other live space missions and launches. NASA promises the, "most breathtaking views of planet Earth and space station activities ever." There will also be remastered historical footage and clips from NASA centers back on Earth.

Transmitting footage in resolutions of 2160p60 requires some serious communications hardware, and NASA is doing it from space with infrastructure by Harmonic. After testing, the channel will launch on November 1. Transmission is made possible by the AMC-18C satellite that handles other NASA footage. NASA currently keeps Ustream, YouTube and a webpage for NASA TV, but in a much lower resolution. The new NASA channel will actually be the first 4K consumer channel ever.

No doubt, bringing space's most alluring and breathtaking views is going to foster imaginations like never before. Both science fiction and science near-fiction have always been driven by plots, so it will be a nice change to just enjoy the mesmerizing scenery.

But this is likely also an attempt by NASA to gain publicity for their underfunded but profound objective. NASA's 2015 budget is just over $18 billion, which is definitely a lot, but arguable not enough considering its significance. $18 billion is just 0.5% of the annual federal budget, when as recently as 22 years ago NASA had earned more than 1%. Reaching the populace, especially the next generation that will enter politics, is a smart strategy. It might also jumpstart some renewed interest for space tourism, which has taken a large hit recently due to the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo crash.

I'll be looking to download the NASA channel once it is unleashed on Roku. Sure, it may not have the drama of reality television, but I prefer my reality TV based in reality anyhow. NASA channel here I come.