Chat With an Astronaut on the ISS Wednesday: How to Tune In

A Rare Chance to Chat with Astronauts in Space: NASA’s Twitch Stream Event

For most of us, the idea of traveling to space remains a distant dream. However, NASA is about to bring space a little closer to Earth through an exciting opportunity. This week, the space agency announced a first-of-its-kind Twitch stream where astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will interact live with viewers on the platform. Scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, at 11:45 a.m. ET (8:45 a.m. PT), this event promises to be an interactive and engaging experience for space enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The stream will take place on NASA’s official Twitch channel, offering a unique chance for the public to connect with astronauts in real time.

Meet the Astronauts Behind the Stream

The event will feature two accomplished NASA astronauts: Don Pettit and Matt Dominick. Don Pettit, who joined the ISS crew in September as part of the Expedition 72 mission, is well-known for his stunning space photography shared regularly on social media. His images capture the beauty of Earth from above and the fascinating life aboard the ISS. Joining him will be Matt Dominick, who returned to Earth in October after being part of the Crew-8 mission. Dominick is also celebrated for his breathtaking photos from the ISS. Together, these two astronauts will provide a glimpse into life aboard the space station and share their experiences with viewers.

What to Expect from the Stream

During the Twitch stream, Pettit and Dominick will interact with viewers through Twitch chat, discussing a variety of topics. They will talk about daily life on the ISS, including the unique challenges and routines of living and working in space. They will also delve into the fascinating world of conducting research in microgravity, explaining how this environment allows for scientific discoveries that wouldn’t be possible on Earth. Additionally, the astronauts will discuss opportunities for ordinary citizens to engage with NASA, such as through citizen science projects and STEM-related programs. This part of the conversation is particularly exciting, as it highlights how anyone can contribute to space exploration and scientific advancements.

Expanding NASA’s Digital Reach

This Twitch stream is part of NASA’s broader strategy to connect with new and diverse audiences. Brittany Brown, a communications director at NASA, emphasized that this event is just the beginning of more interactive and community-focused streams on the platform. "We spoke with digital creators at TwitchCon about their desire for streams designed with their communities in mind, and we listened," Brown said in a blog post. By leveraging platforms like Twitch, NASA aims to inspire excitement about space exploration among younger generations and those who may not typically engage with traditional science content. In addition to spacewalks, launches, and landings, Twitch-exclusive streams like this one will become a regular part of NASA’s digital outreach efforts.

How to Tune In and Participate

For those eager to participate in this historic event, tuning in is simple. Viewers can head to NASA’s official Twitch channel at 11:45 a.m. ET on February 12. Once there, they can watch the stream and engage with Pettit and Dominick through the live chat feature. While Twitch streams often have a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable atmosphere, NASA has likely prepared moderators to ensure the conversation remains productive and family-friendly. This event is a rare opportunity to ask questions, learn about life in space, and interact with astronauts while they’re 250 miles above Earth’s surface.

A New Era of Space Communication

While NASA has previously streamed space-related content on Twitch, such as spacewalks, this will be the first time viewers can interact directly with astronauts in real time. Previous streams were mostly view-only experiences, but this event marks a significant step forward in fostering engagement between space explorers and the public. By embracing platforms like Twitch, NASA is paving the way for a more inclusive and interactive approach to space communication. This stream not only celebrates the wonders of space exploration but also encourages people to think about how they can contribute to the next chapter of space discovery. Don’t miss this chance to be a part of this groundbreaking event and connect with the astronauts who are making history every day.