The time is right for NASA to transform its TV channel — NASA TV —- into something more international, more engaging and more likely to attract a larger audience. In effect, NASA TV should be put to rest and in its place should be — The Space Channel.

Credit Sputnik for this proposal. On Oct. 4, I had the opportunity to address a pair of 7th grade science classes about satellite technology stemming from my personal sighting of the satellite (or as the Russians recently have reminded us, probably the second stage booster).

Watching NASA TV for an extended period leading up to my classroom presentations for relevant news clips and insights made me realize that creating The Space Channel ought not just be a NASA multimedia priority but a matter of urgency.

Among other things, NASA needs to take a hard look at its multimedia strategy across the board in terms of its educational programming, and embracing The Space Channel could make a big difference.

The Space Channel concept is about accessing more compelling content and broadcasting a broader mix of space-related programming. Identifying new sources for this programming at home and abroad as well as aggregating the content will not be easy, but it may not be as challenging as many might think either.

The whole commercial space and satellite industry is just sitting on the sidelines as far as NASA TV is concerned. And at a time when Japan, China and India are launching or are preparing to launch ambitious lunar missions, the international space community is given a minor role, too.

However, The Space Channel would require us to look at space, space science and human and robotic space exploration as a truly multinational undertaking. And opening the door to new foreign programming sources in addition to the above-mentioned role for the commercial space sector might prove refreshing and worthwhile.
Consider the Global Exploration Strategy Framework for Coordination which emerged in late May involving NASA and 13 other space agencies. The Space Channel could become an important conduit for this evolving multinational space exploration-related information sharing process.

Combine the commercial and international elements, and a new content domain for The Space Channel starts to take shape. NASA could reach out to the commercial space sector and organize a brainstorming session. There are mutual interests here, including how NASA and the commercial space sector must successfully attract and recruit the young men and women who will constitute the talented and skilled aerospace workforce of the future.

Would a nightly Space News Hour make it on The Space Channel? This is one of many questions that needs to be addressed. Again, the educational mission of The Space Channel would retain the vital space science elements of NASA TV, while enabling NASA to broaden the menu of classroom content and teaching materials.

The Space Channel is intended to break the mold but not the budget. Somehow impeding other channels which cover space on an occasional basis is not the goal here. The Science Channel, The National Geographic Channel, PBS and Discovery should go about doing whatever best suits their interests when it comes to space-related TV programming.

But why not leave NASA TV alone and let some other group launch The Space Channel if they are so inclined? Well, that is a question for NASA to ponder.
The Space Channel is more than an exercise in rebranding. Its about equipping NASA with a real 21st-century multimedia toolset. NASA ought to invest its time, human resources and money wisely in this regard. Highlighting the successes and achievements of NASA employees while exploring new programming formats will enable NASA to move to the next level in the dynamic TV and online broadband realm.

The Space Channel, with support from a new team of private sector and international partners, represents the right approach to TV and multimedia content in general. The time is right, and NASA should give it a try.