NASA is set to conduct its inaugural Twitch stream from the International Space Station.

      NASA astronaut Don Pettit is currently aboard the International Space Station.

      The role of space agencies such as NASA extends beyond investigating scientific issues and advancing space exploration; it also involves engaging with the public regarding their efforts and fostering enthusiasm for space research. To achieve this, NASA often organizes events like astronauts answering questions from students, partnering with citizen science initiatives, and inviting amateur astronomers and interested stargazers to join in various astronomical happenings. In an effort to connect with younger audiences, NASA is launching its first Twitch event from the International Space Station next week. This initiative aims to attract a new audience keen on space science and research. The event will feature NASA astronauts living on the space station discussing their experiences and work, while Twitch viewers will have the chance to ask questions.

      Scheduled for Wednesday, February 12 at 11:45 a.m. ET, the event will be broadcast on NASA’s Twitch channel. NASA officials express hope that the event will draw new interest in their work. “This Twitch event from space is the premier of many,” said Brittany Brown, director of the Office of Communications Digital and Technology Division at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “We engaged with digital creators at TwitchCon who expressed a desire for streams tailored for their communities, and we listened. Alongside our spacewalks, launches, and landings, we plan to host more Twitch-exclusive streams like this one. Twitch is one of numerous digital platforms we utilize to reach wider audiences and spark excitement about space.”

      The event will feature astronaut Don Pettit, who is currently on the space station and recently captured a remarkable photograph from orbit, as well as astronaut Matt Dominick, who concluded his assignment on the station last year and is also recognized for his striking photography. Additionally, alongside this Twitch event and regular streams featuring astronauts from the space station, a continuous livestream on YouTube is available showcasing views from the ISS, including footage of the crew at work and Earth seen from space.

      NASA has two strategies for returning samples from Mars.

      NASA has ambitious plans for Mars, aiming to collect and return the first samples from the Martian surface through a mission known as Mars Sample Return. However, the mission has faced challenges even during its development stage, including budget overruns and an unrealistic timeline. Consequently, last year, NASA determined that a new approach was necessary and has now shared an update on its progress, focusing on two potential strategies, with a final decision to be made in 2026. “Exploring two possible pathways will ensure that NASA is capable of returning these samples from Mars while significantly reducing costs and schedules compared to the earlier plan,” stated NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “These samples have the potential to transform our understanding of Mars, our universe, and ultimately ourselves. I extend my gratitude to the team at NASA and the strategic review team, led by Dr. Maria Zuber, for their efforts.”

      India will attempt a rare space feat tonight.

      With its expanding space program, India will attempt a new achievement tonight: docking two satellites together in orbit for the first time. This type of maneuver demands highly precise movements and meticulous planning, and in the long run, will contribute to India's goal of executing increasingly complex lunar missions. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) will livestream the event tonight so viewers can watch from home. Coverage begins at 9:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 8, and can be viewed on YouTube or via the embedded video below.

      NASA spacewalks are resuming after a long hiatus.

      Last year witnessed an unusual decrease in activities aboard the International Space Station (ISS), with only three spacewalks conducted in 2024, in contrast to 12 in 2023. NASA astronauts have not performed a spacewalk since June of last year due to a malfunction in their spacesuits, specifically a water leak issue, which prompted NASA to pause all spacewalks for the remainder of the year. However, NASA spacewalks are now set to resume, with two scheduled for this month: one on Thursday, January 16, and another the following Thursday, January 23. In a recent press conference, NASA confirmed that they investigated the water leak, replaced a seal and connection, and tested the previously faulty suit to ensure it is safe for use.