NASA TV's Public, Education and Media channels are available on an MPEG-2 digital C-band signal via satellite on AMC 6, Transponder 17C in continental North America. In Alaska and Hawaii, they're available on AMC 7, Transponder 18C. Analog NASA TV is no longer available.
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What is Digital NASA TV?
Digital NASA TV has four digital channels:
- NASA Public ("Free to Air"), featuring documentaries, archival programming, and coverage of NASA missions and events;
- NASA Education ("Free to Air/Addressable"), dedicated to providing educational programming to schools, educational institutions and museums;
- NASA Media ("Addressable"), for broadcast news organizations; and
- NASA Mission Operations (Internal Only)
Note: Digital NASA TV channels may not always have programming on every channel simultaneously.
Why is NASA TV digital?
Digital NASA TV system provides higher quality images and better use of satellite bandwidth, meaning multiple channels from multiple NASA program sources at the same time.
Can I watch NASA TV on the Web?
Yes, NASA TV's Public, Education and Media channels are streamed here on the Web. All you need is access to a computer.
Can I get digital NASA TV from my local cable or satellite service provider?
The NASA TV Public and Educational channels are "free-to-air," meaning your cable or satellite service provider can carry them at no cost. Contact your local cable or satellite service provider about carrying NASA TV.
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I have my own C-band-sized satellite dish. What else do I need to get the digital NASA TV Public Channel?
If your C-Band-sized satellite dish is capable of receiving digital television signals, you still need a Digital Video Broadcast (DVB)-compliant MPEG-2 Integrated Receiver Decoder, or IRD, to get Digital NASA's Public "Free to Air" Channel.
An IRD that receives "Free to Air" programming like the Digital NASA TV Public Channel can be purchased from many sources, including "off-the-shelf" at your local electronics store.
Digital NASA TV is on satellite AMC 6, Transponder 17. In Alaska and Hawaii, digital NASA TV is available on AMC7, Transponder 18C.
Digital NASA TV is on the same satellite (AMC 6) as the analog NASA TV was, but on a different transponder (17). In Alaska and Hawaii, digital NASA TV is available on AMC7, Transponder 18C.
NASA TV provides only C-band digital service (no Ku-band).
Here is additional satellite information you may find helpful:
Digital Satellite C-Band Downlink for continental North America:
Uplink provider = Americom
Satellite = AMC 6
Transponder = 17C
72 Degrees West
Downlink Frequency: 4040 Mhz
Polarity: Vertical
FEC = 3/4
Data Rate r= 36.860 MHz
Symbol = 26.665 Ms
Transmission = DVB
"Public" Programming:
Program = 101 (HQ1), Video PID = 0111 decimal = 0x006F, Audio PID = 0114 decimal =0x0072, AC-3 PID = 0115 decimal = 0x0073
"Education" Programming:
Program = 102 (HQ2), Video PID = 0121 decimal = 0x0079, Audio PID = 0124 decimal =0x007C, AC-3 PID = 0125 decimal = 0x007D
"Media" Programming:
Program = 103 (HQ3), Video PID = 1031 decimal = 0x0407, Audio PID = 1034 decimal =0x040A, AC-3 PID = 1035 decimal = 0x040B
"SOMD" Programming:
Program = 104 (HQ4), Video PID = 1041 decimal = 0x0411, Audio PID = 1044 decimal =0x0414, AC-3 PID = 1045 decimal = 0x0415
Digital C-Band Satellite Downlink for Alaska and Hawaii:
Uplink provider = Americom
Satellite = AMC 7
Transponder = 18C
137 Degrees West
Downlink Frequency: 4060 Mhz
Polarity: Vertical
FEC = 3/4
Data Rate = 36.860 MHz
Symbol = 26.665 Ms
Transmission = DVB
"Public" Programming:
Program = 101 (HQ1), Video PID = 0111 decimal = 0x006F, Audio PID = 0114 decimal =0x0072, AC-3 PID = 0115 decimal = 0x0073
"Education" Programming:
Program = 102 (HQ2), Video PID = 0121 decimal = 0x0079, Audio PID = 0124 decimal =0x007C, AC-3 PID = 0125 decimal = 0x007D
"Media" Programming:
Program = 103 (HQ3), Video PID = 1031 decimal = 0x0407, Audio PID = 1034 decimal =0x040A, AC-3 PID = 1035 decimal = 0x040B
"SOMD" Programming:
Program = 104 (HQ4), Video PID = 1041 decimal = 0x0414, Audio PID = 1044 decimal =0x0414, AC-3 PID = 1045 decimal = 0x0415
NOTES:
1. SOMD = Space Operations Mission Directorate
2. PCR (program clock reference) information is included within the Video PID by the Harmonic Encoders used by NASA TV
3. PMT (Transport Stream Program Map Table) settings are as follows:
Program = 101 (HQ1) = 0110 decimal = 0x006E
Program = 102 (HQ2) = 0120 decimal = 0x0078
Program = 103 (HQ3) = 1030 decimal = 0x0406
Program = 104 (HQ4) = 1040 decimal = 0x0410
A 'C Band' size satellite dish is needed to receive multi-channel NASA TV. It may also be necessary to modify some of your dish hardware, such as LNBs, to optimize performance. LNB's that are "phase locked" are recommended, though many models of "non-phase locked" LNB's should work. Check with your particular manufacturer for recommendations. NASA TV will not be making vendor specific recommendations and is not responsible for providing any downlink infrastructure.
LNB Recommended Minimum Specifications:
Frequency Stability: +/- 1.0 MHz
SSB Phase Noise:
Offset dBc/Hz
| Offset | dBc/Hz |
| 1 kHz | -60 |
| 10 kHz | -75 |
| 100 kHz | -85 |
Voltage: 15 to 24 VDC
Current: 100 to 250 ma.
NASA TV provides only C-band digital service (no Ku-band).
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I'm an educator who works for a school, educational institution or museum. What equipment will my organization need to get the digital NASA TV Education Channel?
If you have a C-Band-size satellite dish capable of receiving digital television signals, you still need a Digital Video Broadcast (DVB)-compliant MPEG-2 Integrated Receiver Decoder, or IRD, to get the digital NASA TV Education Channel. Your IRD will provide access to the digital NASA TV Public Channel, as well, which also offers education materials.
An IRD that receives "Free to Air" programming like the new digital NASA TV Education Channel can be purchased from many sources, including "off-the-shelf" at your local electronics store.
Occasionally, the new digital NASA TV Education Channel may provide its programming in an "addressable" format. If your institution were to purchase an "addressable" IRD with "store-and-forward" capabilities, the digital NASA TV Education Channel could, from time to time, "address," or send specific programming to your IRD's hard drive for playback and use at your convenience. An "addressable" IRD has great potential for educational activities as NASA could offer programming designed specifically for a targeted educational audience. For technical specifications and pricing, visit
http://www.nasadigitaltv.com.
Digital NASA TV is on satellite AMC 6, Transponder 17. In Alaska and Hawaii, digital NASA TV is available on AMC7, Transponder 18C.
NASA TV provides only C-band digital service (no Ku-band).
Here is additional satellite information you may find helpful:
Digital Satellite C-Band Downlink for continental North America:
Uplink provider = Americom
Satellite = AMC 6
Transponder = 17C
72 Degrees West
Downlink Frequency: 4040 Mhz
Polarity: Vertical
FEC = 3/4
Data Rate r= 36.860 MHz
Symbol = 26.665 Ms
Transmission = DVB
"Public" Programming:
Program = 101 (HQ1), Video PID = 0111 decimal = 0x006F, Audio PID = 0114 decimal =0x0072, AC-3 PID = 0115 decimal = 0x0073
"Education" Programming:
Program = 102 (HQ2), Video PID = 0121 decimal = 0x0079, Audio PID = 0124 decimal =0x007C, AC-3 PID = 0125 decimal = 0x007D
"Media" Programming:
Program = 103 (HQ3), Video PID = 1031 decimal = 0x0407, Audio PID = 1034 decimal =0x040A, AC-3 PID = 1035 decimal = 0x040B
"SOMD" Programming:
Program = 104 (HQ4), Video PID = 1041 decimal = 0x0411, Audio PID = 1044 decimal =0x0414, AC-3 PID = 1045 decimal = 0x0415
Digital C-Band Satellite Downlink for Alaska and Hawaii:
Uplink provider = Americom
Satellite = AMC 7
Transponder = 18C
137 Degrees West
Downlink Frequency: 4060 Mhz
Polarity: Vertical
FEC = 3/4
Data Rate = 36.860 MHz
Symbol = 26.665 Ms
Transmission = DVB
"Public" Programming:
Program = 101 (HQ1), Video PID = 0111 decimal = 0x006F, Audio PID = 0114 decimal =0x0072, AC-3 PID = 0115 decimal = 0x0073
"Education" Programming:
Program = 102 (HQ2), Video PID = 0121 decimal = 0x0079, Audio PID = 0124 decimal =0x007C, AC-3 PID = 0125 decimal = 0x007D
Programming:
Program = 103 (HQ3), Video PID = 1031 decimal = 0x0407, Audio PID = 1034 decimal =0x040A, AC-3 PID = 1035 decimal = 0x040B
"SOMD" Programming:
Program = 104 (HQ4), Video PID = 1041 decimal = 0x0411, Audio PID = 1044 decimal =0x0414, AC-3 PID = 1045 decimal = 0x0415
NOTES:
1. SOMD = Space Operations Mission Directorate
2. PCR (program clock reference) information is included within the Video PID by the Harmonic Encoders used by NASA TV
3. PMT (Transport Stream Program Map Table) settings are as follows:
Program = 101 (HQ1) = 0110 decimal = 0x006E
Program = 102 (HQ2) = 0120 decimal = 0x0078
Program = 103 (HQ3) = 1030 decimal = 0x0406
Program = 104 (HQ4) = 1040 decimal = 0x0410
A 'C Band' size satellite dish is needed to receive multi-channel NASA TV. It may also be necessary to modify some of your dish hardware, such as LNBs, to optimize performance. LNB's that are "phase locked" are recommended, though many models of "non-phase locked" LNB's should work. Check with your particular manufacturer for recommendations. NASA TV will not be making vendor specific recommendations and is not responsible for providing any downlink infrastructure.
LNB Recommended Minimum Specifications:
Frequency Stability: +/- 1.0 MHz
SSB Phase Noise:
Offset dBc/Hz
| Offset | dBc/Hz |
| 1 kHz | -60 |
| 10 kHz | -75 |
| 100 kHz | -85 |
Voltage: 15 to 24 VDC
Current: 100 to 250 ma.
NASA TV provides only C-band digital service (no Ku-band).
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I'm a member of the media and want to participate in live shot interviews, receive Video File news feeds, press conferences and other media updates. What does my news organization need?
Media content, such as live shot interviews and Video File feeds, are offered on its own NASA TV Media Channel with an "addressable" IRD capability. With new "store-and-forward" capable IRDs, NASA content can be "pushed" to your IRD's hard drive for playback and use at your convenience. No need to monitor NASA TV at a specific time each day with your tapes rolling. For technical specifications and pricing, visit http://www.nasadigitaltv.com.
Digital NASA TV is on satellite AMC 6, Transponder 17. In Alaska and Hawaii, digital NASA TV is available on AMC7, Transponder 18C.
NASA TV provides only C-band digital service (no Ku-band).
Here is additional satellite information you may find helpful:
Digital Satellite C-Band Downlink for continental North America:
Uplink provider = Americom
Satellite = AMC 6
Transponder = 17C
72 Degrees West
Downlink Frequency: 4040 Mhz
Polarity: Vertical
FEC = 3/4
Data Rate r= 36.860 MHz
Symbol = 26.665 Ms
Transmission = DVB
"Public" Programming:
Program = 101 (HQ1), Video PID = 0111 decimal = 0x006F, Audio PID = 0114 decimal =0x0072, AC-3 PID = 0115 decimal = 0x0073
"Education" Programming:
Program = 102 (HQ2), Video PID = 0121 decimal = 0x0079, Audio PID = 0124 decimal =0x007C, AC-3 PID = 0125 decimal = 0x007D
"Media" Programming:
Program = 103 (HQ3), Video PID = 0131 decimal = 0x0407, Audio PID = 1034 decimal =0x040A, AC-3 PID = 1035 decimal = 0x040B
"SOMD" Programming:
Program = 104 (HQ4), Video PID = 0141 decimal = 0x0411, Audio PID = 1044 decimal =0x0414, AC-3 PID = 1045 decimal = 0x0415
Digital C-Band Satellite Downlink for Alaska and Hawaii:
Uplink provider = Americom
Satellite = AMC 7
Transponder = 18C
137 Degrees West
Downlink Frequency: 4060 Mhz
Polarity: Vertical
FEC = 3/4
Data Rate = 36.860 MHz
Symbol = 26.665 Ms
Transmission = DVB
"Public" Programming:
Program = 101 (HQ1), Video PID = 0111 decimal = 0x006F, Audio PID = 0114 decimal =0x0072, AC-3 PID = 0115 decimal = 0x0073
"Education" Programming:
Program = 102 (HQ2), Video PID = 0121 decimal = 0x0079, Audio PID = 0124 decimal =0x007C, AC-3 PID = 0125 decimal = 0x007D
"Media" Programming:
Program = 103 (HQ3), Video PID = 1031 decimal = 0x0407, Audio PID = 1034 decimal =0x040A, AC-3 PID = 1035 decimal = 0x040B
"SOMD" Programming:
Program = 104 (HQ4), Video PID = 1041 decimal = 0x0411, Audio PID = 1044 decimal =0x0414, AC-3 PID = 1045 decimal = 0x0415
NOTES:
1. SOMD = Space Operations Mission Directorate
2. PCR (program clock reference) information is included within the Video PID by the Harmonic Encoders used by NASA TV
3. PMT (Transport Stream Program Map Table) settings are as follows:
Program = 101 (HQ1) = 0110 decimal = 0x006E
Program = 102 (HQ2) = 0120 decimal = 0x0078
Program = 103 (HQ3) = 1030 decimal = 0x0406
Program = 104 (HQ4) = 1040 decimal = 0x0410
A 'C Band' size satellite dish is needed to receive multi-channel NASA TV. It may also be necessary to modify some of your dish hardware, such as LNBs, to optimize performance. LNB's that are "phase locked" are recommended, though many models of "non-phase locked" LNB's should work. Check with your particular manufacturer for recommendations. NASA TV will not be making vendor specific recommendations and is not responsible for providing any downlink infrastructure.
LNB Recommended Minimum Specifications:
Frequency Stability: +/- 1.0 MHz
SSB Phase Noise:
Offset dBc/Hz
| Offset | dBc/Hz |
| 1 kHz | -60 |
| 10 kHz | -75 |
| 100 kHz | -85 |
Voltage: 15 to 24 VDC
Current: 100 to 250 ma.
NASA TV provides only C-band digital service (no Ku-band).
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I'm a local cable or satellite service provider. What do I need to carry the digital NASA Public Channel?
Assuming you already have the necessary hardware (C-Band-size receiver and IRD) here's satellite information you and/or your technical staff should find helpful:
Digital NASA TV is on satellite AMC 6, Transponder 17. In Alaska and Hawaii, digital NASA TV is available on AMC7, Transponder 18C.
NASA TV provides only C-band digital service (no Ku-band).
Here is additional satellite information you may find helpful:
Digital Satellite C-Band Downlink for continental North America:
Uplink provider = Americom
Satellite = AMC 6
Transponder = 17C
72 Degrees West
Downlink Frequency: 4040 Mhz
Polarity: Vertical
FEC = 3/4
Data Rate r= 36.860 MHz
Symbol = 26.665 Ms
Transmission = DVB
"Public" Programming:
Program = 101 (HQ1), Video PID = 0111 decimal = 0x006F, Audio PID = 0114 decimal =0x0072, AC-3 PID = 0115 decimal = 0x0073
"Education" Programming:
Program = 102 (HQ2), Video PID = 0121 decimal = 0x0079, Audio PID = 0124 decimal =0x007C, AC-3 PID = 0125 decimal = 0x007D
"Media" Programming:
Program = 103 (HQ3), Video PID = 1031 decimal = 0x0407, Audio PID = 1034 decimal =0x040A, AC-3 PID = 1035 decimal = 0x040B
"SOMD" Programming:
Program = 104 (HQ4), Video PID = 1041 decimal = 0x0411, Audio PID = 1044 decimal =0x0414, AC-3 PID = 1045 decimal = 0x0415
Digital C-Band Satellite Downlink for Alaska and Hawaii:
Uplink provider = Americom
Satellite = AMC 7
Transponder = 18C
137 Degrees West
Downlink Frequency: 4060 Mhz
Polarity: Vertical
FEC = 3/4
Data Rate = 36.860 MHz
Symbol = 26.665 Ms
Transmission = DVB
"Public" Programming:
Program = 101 (HQ1), Video PID = 0111 decimal = 0x006F, Audio PID = 0114 decimal =0x0072, AC-3 PID = 0115 decimal = 0x0073
"Education" Programming:
Program = 102 (HQ2), Video PID = 0121 decimal = 0x0079, Audio PID = 0124 decimal =0x007C, AC-3 PID = 0125 decimal = 0x007D
"Media" Programming:
Program = 103 (HQ3), Video PID = 1031 decimal = 0x0407, Audio PID = 1034 decimal =0x040A, AC-3 PID = 1035 decimal = 0x040B
"SOMD" Programming:
Program = 104 (HQ4), Video PID = 1041 decimal = 0x0411, Audio PID = 1044 decimal =0x0414, AC-3 PID = 1045 decimal = 0x0415
NOTES:
1. SOMD = Space Operations Mission Directorate
2. PCR (program clock reference) information is included within the Video PID by the Harmonic Encoders used by NASA TV
3. PMT (Transport Stream Program Map Table) settings are as follows:
Program = 101 (HQ1) = 0110 decimal = 0x006E
Program = 102 (HQ2) = 0120 decimal = 0x0078
Program = 103 (HQ3) = 1030 decimal = 0x0406
Program = 104 (HQ4) = 1040 decimal = 0x0410
A 'C Band' size satellite dish is needed to receive multi-channel NASA TV. It may also be necessary to modify some of your dish hardware, such as LNBs, to optimize performance. LNB's that are "phase locked" are recommended, though many models of "non-phase locked" LNB's should work. Check with your particular manufacturer for recommendations. NASA TV will not be making vendor specific recommendations and is not responsible for providing any downlink infrastructure.
LNB Recommended Minimum Specifications:
Frequency Stability: +/- 1.0 MHz
SSB Phase Noise:
Offset dBc/Hz
| Offset | dBc/Hz |
| 1 kHz | -60 |
| 10 kHz | -75 |
| 100 kHz | -85 |
Voltage: 15 to 24 VDC
Current: 100 to 250 ma.
NASA TV provides only C-band digital service (no Ku-band).
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
"Addressable" – A type of IRD (Integrated Receiver Decoder) that can not only receive "free to air" digital TV signals but can also receive and store specially encrypted programming for rebroadcast.
DVB – Digital video broadcast.
FEC – Forward Error Correction
"Free to Air" – A TV channel that local cable and satellite service providers are "free to air" at no cost. Your basic, commercial "off-the-shelf" IRD can tune a "free to air" digital TV channel, provided you have a C-Band-size satellite receiving dish.
IRD - Integrated Receiver Decoder, a piece of equipment used to tune a digital TV signal.
LNB – Low Noise Block/Converter.
NTSC – National Television System Committee. The group responsible for setting the television and video standard used in the United States. NTSC also refers to the standard itself. (In Europe and elsewhere, PAL and SECAM are the dominant standards.)
PID – Program Identifier
SOMD – Space Operations Mission Directorate
TBD – To Be Determined.
NASA will update this Web page as new information becomes available.
Questions? Concerns? E-mail public-inquiries@hq.nasa.gov.
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