The NASA TV channel will shut down in late August as NASA continues shifting its focus to streaming and NASA+. The first sign that the channel was closing came earlier this week, when Hulu began informing Live TV subscribers that they are scheduled to lose access to NASA TV next month.
While initially thought to be just Hulu Live TV, NASA has now confirmed that Hulu’s loss of the channel is part of a wider phasing out of the NASA Television channel. In a new video explaining the change, the agency said NASA is taking ‘its next giant leap‘ this summer “by cutting the cord.”
Although NASA didn’t specify exactly when the channel would cease operating, Hulu had already announced the channel would be removed from its lineup on August 28, 2024, suggesting that’s likely to be when NASA TV shuts down.
NASA launched the NASA+ streaming service late last year. Not only is NASA+ free to all users, but it is also an ad-free streaming service. In spite of only launching in November, NASA says NASA+ has already gained four times more viewers than the NASA TV channel.
“In a universe where the way we consume information is rapidly changing, NASA+ is helping us inspire and connect with our current generation of explorers: the Artemis Generation,” said Marc Etkind, associate administrator, Office of Communications at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Through NASA+, we are enhancing the user experience for our audiences in a way that reflects our commitment to reaching new heights, both in space exploration and in media.”
Along with revamping its nasa.gov and science.nasa.gov websites in 2023, NASA explained that its transition from cable TV to streaming is part of a larger accessible effort to ensure the agency’s content continues to reach as many people as possible.
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