NASA launches a social game Space Race Blastoff on Facebook!
NASA has launched a social game named Space Race Blastoff on Facebook.
The US space agency spoke about this game:
Available through its own Facebook page, Space Race Blastoff pits players in remote locations in a test of their knowledge of NASA history, technology, science and pop culture. Players who correctly answer questions earn virtual badges depicting NASA astronauts, spacecraft and astronomical objects. Players also earn points they can use to obtain additional badges to complete sets that earn premium badges.
NASA spoke about the game:
We’re hoping Space Race Blastoff opens up NASA’s history and research to a wide new audience of people accustomed to using social media. We’re really excited to see what the interest will be.
The game is designed to be played by multiple people together though it has a single user option. It has been developed by the NASA’s Internet Services Group in the Office of Communications.
NASA switching to HD for public broadcasts in USA
NASA has announced that they are going to switch to HD with their public broadcasts in USA.
The US space agency said in a notification:
Beginning Feb. 17, 2012, NASA Television’s Public and Media channels will transmit their respective content in high definition.
NASA Television’s Public Channel (101), the channel most often carried by cable and satellite service providers, provides digital coverage of NASA missions and events, as well as documentaries, archival and other special programming.
NASA TV’s Media Channel (103) provides mission coverage, news conferences and relevant video and audio materials to local, national and international news-gathering organizations.
NASA TV’s Education Channel (102) will continue in standard definition. The current NASA TV HD Channel (105) will cease service.
Mars Images shows you latest imagery from Opportunity Mars Exploration Rover
Mark Powell is a computer scientist at the NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He has released mobile apps for both Google Android and Apple iOS devices which showcases the latest imagery downloaded from the Opportunity Mars Exploration Rover.
The app has the blessings from NASA though it is being offered through Powellware branding.
NASA is planning to add more image sources to this app in the future. And a similar app is being planned to broadcast the imagery from the Mars Science Laboratory as soon as it starts operating later this year.
NASA launches code.nasa.gov initiative
NASA has become the latest government body to launch a dedicated section on their website catering to the open source development community.
NASA said that this new section would “continue, unify, and expand NASA’s open source activities”.
NASA added:
The site will serve to surface existing projects, provide a forum for discussing projects and processes, and guide internal and external groups in open development, release, and contribution.
Code.NASA is currently showcasing a couple of projects and guides. They are also working to open a discussion forum for developers to interact with each other.
NASA allowing you to send postcards to the International Space Station!
Holiday season is on in the western world and NASA has launched a new web app that allows you to send your own personalized greetings to the astronauts stationed on the International Space Station.
The service also allows you to send a tweet to the ISS.
There are four virtual postcards available for you to select and type your personal message.
Pretty cool initiative from NASA!