Spacevidcast to Provide Unprecedented Coverage of Final Space Shuttle Launch

Spacevidcast, the online media outlet that covers all elements of space flight has a motto, “Making space – common place.” What the Minnesota-based firm is planning in terms of covering the final launch of a space shuttle – is anything but commonplace. The show is scheduled to be on-air for 14 hours, from July 7 at 10 p.m. EDT until July 8 at noon EDT. The show will also be interactive, with viewers able to ask guests questions. Anyone can ask the pilot of the first space shuttle mission, current astronauts or the people that make the machines go – the questions they have always wondered.

“This will be one of, if not the most watched space shuttle launch ever,” said Spacevidcast’s Producer Benjamin Higginbotham. “Spacevidcast doesn't want to just broadcast this event; we want people to be able to experience it. You can call in and ask your questions of astronauts, engineers, press and more in your own video via Skype, Twitter, Facebook and more.”

Although Spacevidcast normally broadcasts on Ustream in true HD, the site’s owners recognize that not everyone’s computer can handle this and provide both SD and mobile formats as well. The show can also be viewed live on the iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Phone or the Roku Box that connects to your HDTV.

Spacevidcast has surged in popularity. For the final launch of the space shuttle Discovery nearly 1 million unique viewers watched the webcast. Wired.com recently named the outlet one of the best ways to watch a shuttle launch online. Spacevidcast is expecting to easily cap the 1 million mark for this historic flight. Part of the show’s launch day success is its format. Spacevidcast is the only online shuttle webcast that provides viewers with real-time ascent data. These include the shuttle’s speed, altitude, the G-Forces that the vehicle is pulling and much more.

Spacevidcast has been broadcasting live launches for over 4 years. It is currently working to produce smaller live shows highlighting launches of rockets that, for the time being, are unmanned. These include the Delta IV series, Atlas and Falcon 9 rockets. Spacevidcast is dedicated to the promotion of space flight. To accomplish this it not only has its live launch coverage, but a weekly series, on-demand specials and mini segments called “Space Pods.” Spacevidcast’s current focus is the final launch of the shuttle program.

“Shuttle launches can be a bit like the superbowl. Get a bunch of friends together around your HDTV, grab some food and drinks and watch the action unfold. Shuttle launches can be nail biters to the bitter end with things like weather, technical issues and even boats starting and stopping the countdown,” Higginbotham said. “STS-133 which was the final flight of Discovery launched with only 2 seconds left in the available window, and it was a lot of fun. To create the ultimate Superbowl experience Spacevidcast has our own Roku channel. By adding our free channel to your Roku HD player available at www.roku.com and Amazon.com you can watch live in true HD right on your home HDTV.”