NASA broadcasts first live stream from the International Space Station

In a significant milestone for digital outreach, NASA announced it will host its inaugural Twitch stream live from the International Space Station (ISS) on February 12, 2025. This innovative event is a first for NASA, as it caters specifically to Twitch users, allowing for real-time interaction with astronauts aboard the space station. The agency has built a following of 1.3 million on the platform, previously streaming events but never dedicating an event exclusively for Twitch before this occasion. During the anticipated live event set to begin at 11:45 am ET, NASA astronaut Don Pettit will share his experiences on board, while Matt Dominick, a recent returnee from the Crew-8 mission, will provide insights from his seven-month stint in space. This opportunity not only enhances viewer engagement but provides educational content to a broad audience eager to learn about life in microgravity. NASA seeks to reach new audiences and cultivate interest in space exploration through various digital platforms. The initiative aligns with their efforts to embrace emerging technologies and engage younger demographics who are more active on platforms like Twitch. Discussions held at TwitchCon revealed clear interest from creators to develop events tailored to their communities, prompting NASA's focus on hosting Twitch-exclusive streams in addition to their traditional programming. By pivoting towards contemporary streaming platforms, NASA aims to broaden its educational outreach and inspire interest in space science and exploration. As they build upon the Twitch stream model, more interactive and informative events are likely to follow, potentially paving the way for a new era of communication between astronauts and the public.