NASA has already phased out its traditional linear NASA Television distribution. The cable and satellite channel went off the air during August 2024. NASA did not end live space coverage, however: it moved its focus to NASA+, a free, ad-free streaming service with live events, documentaries, original series, children’s programming, and on-demand video.
NASA has already phased out its traditional linear NASA Television distribution. The cable and satellite channel went off the air during August 2024, but NASA did not stop providing live space coverage. Instead, the agency shifted its focus to NASA+, a free, ad-free streaming service with live events, documentaries, original series, children’s programming, and on-demand video.
In other words, NASA TV’s old channel model is gone; NASA’s video coverage is not. Viewers now watch launches, spacewalks, mission briefings, and other programming through NASA+, NASA.gov, the NASA app, and—in some cases—other digital platforms.
What happened to NASA TV?
NASA Television was the agency’s traditional linear service. It was distributed through cable, satellite, and online feeds in a format similar to a conventional television channel: viewers tuned in to a continuous schedule rather than choosing every program from a streaming catalog.
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On July 29, 2024, NASA announced that it was shifting its television and digital strategy to NASA+. The agency said NASA+ had already attracted four times the viewership of its traditional cable channel. NASA described the change as a way to make its programming more accessible, easier to discover, and better suited to contemporary viewing habits. NASA also connected the transition to its effort to reach the “Artemis Generation.”
The linear channel was phased out in August 2024. NASA later confirmed that it was no longer broadcasting programming by satellite and directed viewers to NASA+ and its other digital channels. The agency’s satellite-distribution notice is the clearest official confirmation of that change.
It is safest to describe the transition by month rather than claim a specific shutdown hour. The available public reporting supports August 2024 as the phase-out period.
NASA TV timeline
| Date | What changed |
|---|---|
| November 8, 2023 | NASA launched NASA+, its free, ad-free on-demand streaming service, with live launches, original series, children’s content, Spanish-language programming, and NASA news. |
| July 29, 2024 | NASA announced that it was moving its television and digital focus to NASA+ and preparing to phase out NASA Television. |
| August 2024 | The traditional linear cable and satellite channel was phased out. |
| January 7, 2025 | NASA stated that it was no longer broadcasting programming via satellite and directed viewers to NASA+. |
| April 10, 2026 | NASA’s current viewing guide listed access through web browsers, iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV. |
| July 23, 2026 | NASA announced that NASA+ programming was expanding to Fire TV Channels while remaining free and ad-free through NASA’s own service. |
How to watch NASA+ now
NASA+ does not require a paid subscription. NASA describes it as free and ad-free, with no subscription required. The main options are:
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- Web browser: Visit plus.nasa.gov on a computer, phone, or compatible television browser.
- Mobile devices: Use the NASA app on iOS or Android.
- Connected-TV platforms: NASA’s Ways to Watch guide lists Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV among supported media players.
- Other digital outlets: Depending on the event, NASA may also provide coverage through NASA.gov, YouTube, and other social or streaming channels.
If you want to watch NASA+ on a television that does not have a compatible app, an optional streaming device can provide access. For example, an Amazon Fire TV streaming device is one supported way to bring NASA+ content to a TV. This is a hardware purchase, not a NASA+ subscription, and NASA does not endorse a particular Fire TV model.
NASA cautions that third-party viewing can involve equipment costs or a platform’s own fees even though NASA’s programming is free. The distinction matters: NASA does not charge for NASA+, but a household may pay for internet access, a television, a streaming device, or a separate commercial service used to access content.
What does NASA+ include?
NASA+ is not simply a continuous replacement feed for the old NASA TV channel. It combines scheduled live programming with an on-demand catalog. NASA says the service includes:
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- Spacewalks and mission briefings
- Original NASA series
- Documentaries and educational programming
- Children’s programming
- Spanish-language programming
- NASA news and other mission-related video
The current NASA+ service presents live and upcoming events alongside on-demand releases. That makes it possible to watch a major event as it happens or find related programming later, rather than relying on the program being on when you happen to turn on a cable channel.
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Not every NASA video necessarily appears in exactly one place. The agency uses a multi-platform approach, so a particular launch, briefing, or announcement may also be promoted or streamed through NASA.gov, YouTube, or another official digital outlet. The transition should therefore be understood as a move away from one uninterrupted linear channel—not as a claim that every NASA broadcast has been consolidated into a single app.
Why did NASA move away from cable?
NASA’s stated reason is changing audience behavior. The agency reported that NASA+ had already generated substantially more viewing than its traditional cable channel and said streaming would make its content more accessible and discoverable.
Streaming also gives NASA a more direct way to organize programming across websites, mobile apps, and connected televisions. It can offer live coverage, replayable video, series pages, and event information without depending on whether a cable or satellite provider carries a linear channel. NASA has emphasized accessibility, discoverability, security, and reaching newer audiences as part of the modernization effort.
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- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
Does NASA still show live launches?
Yes. Ending the linear NASA TV channel did not end live launch coverage or live mission programming. NASA+ continues to carry live events, and NASA may use NASA.gov, the NASA app, YouTube, and other official channels for individual events.
For an upcoming launch or briefing, check NASA’s NASA+ homepage and the official Ways to Watch page rather than looking for the former cable channel in your television guide.
What the change means for former NASA TV viewers
- There is no new NASA+ bill: NASA says the service is free, ad-free, and does not require a subscription.
- You may need a different way to watch: A browser, mobile app, smart-TV app, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, or another supported setup can replace the cable channel.
- Live events remain available: Launches, spacewalks, and briefings have not been discontinued simply because the linear channel ended.
- On-demand viewing is more important: Viewers can find programs and documentaries from a catalog instead of waiting for a scheduled broadcast.
- Platform details can change: NASA has expanded distribution over time, including Fire TV Channels in July 2026, so check NASA’s current device list before purchasing hardware.
The short version
NASA did not shut down its video operation. It shut down—or, more precisely, phased out—its traditional linear cable and satellite distribution in August 2024. NASA+ is now the primary home for free, ad-free NASA streaming, including live space coverage, documentaries, original programming, and children’s content.
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Viewers who previously watched NASA TV through cable should go to NASA+ or use NASA’s current viewing guide to find the right app or connected-TV platform. A compatible streaming device may be necessary for some televisions, but NASA+ itself is not a paid replacement service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Did NASA shut down all live coverage?
No. NASA ended the traditional linear cable and satellite distribution, not its video coverage. NASA+ and other official digital channels continue to carry live launches, spacewalks, briefings, documentaries, and other programming.
Does NASA+ cost money?
No. NASA+ is free, ad-free, and does not require a subscription. You may still pay for internet access, a compatible television, a streaming device, or a third-party platform used to access the service.
How can I watch NASA+ on my TV?
Use the NASA+ website, the NASA app on iOS or Android, or a supported connected-TV platform such as Roku, Apple TV, or Fire TV. NASA’s device list can change, so consult its current Ways to Watch page.
When did NASA TV leave cable and satellite?
The channel was phased out during August 2024. NASA subsequently confirmed in January 2025 that it was no longer broadcasting programming via satellite.
The Bottom Line
NASA TV’s old cable and satellite channel was phased out in August 2024. NASA’s live coverage continues through NASA+, NASA.gov, the NASA app, and other digital platforms. NASA+ is free, ad-free, and does not require a subscription.
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