NASA announced that it will be simulcasting the final launch of Space Shuttle Discovery later today on the PS3 as a piece of PlayStation Home streaming content. Tentatively scheduled for a 4:30 PM EST Launch, the feed will be available for viewing within LOOT, a premium video viewing service somewhat similar to Netflix which allows “users to communicate via Bluetooth headsets while watching popular television shows, web series and other types of content—all from inside the PlayStation Home social gaming environment.”
David Weaver, NASA associate administrator for the Office of Communications, commented on the partnership stating that NASA is “excited about this new way for people to experience the exhilaration of human spaceflight as part of a larger community, In addition to the other two shuttle launches planned for April and June, NASA looks forward to sharing more of our endeavors with PlayStation users.”
Following the launch of the Shuttle, NASA TV will continue to be available for viewing on the LOOT service, although this isn’t something incredibly groundbreaking as NASA TV is free to stream on the net and is available on a number of other devices.
The idea of broadcasting the Space Shuttle launch seems interesting, but burying it under the heft of Home will more then likely cause a majority of PS3 users to miss it entirely. Coupled with the fact that launches are frequently delayed (ranging anywhere from a few minutes to a few months), it seems like an odd partnership to say the least – although if any crowd is equipped to handle delays, it’s gamers. I could have understood making a big deal out of the event if the launch was being presented in 3D, but as earlier stated this announcement and broadcast is just laying a foundation for future launches and events.
Even if you don’t own a PS3, or simply don’t have Home installed, the launch will be available in a number of different places for viewing (online, public access tv), and seeing that this is one of three chances left to see a Space Shuttle launch, it may be worth your time to tune in and watch.
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