For a government agency, NASA really knows what people want: The NASA.gov website has been a frequent Webby award winner for its websites, and the beautiful images, videos and informative articles bring millions of visitors each year. Despite the popularity of its services, many people remain unaware of the vast media empire that NASA has built in an effort to reach the largest audience possible. If you're a space fan, a history buff or doing research for a school paper and need some primary sources, here's a list of some of NASA's lesser-known websites that you will probably love.
1. NASA e-Books
Want to learn about the history of the USSR rocket program directly from one of its top scientists, Boris Chertok? Interested in past and present aeronautics knowledge? NASA's e-Books page can get you those and more. With historical and modern books on aeronautics, science and the history of our endeavors in flight, you can learn all about our journey from first flight to the ISS and the plans for our future in space.
2. Third Rock Radio
Yes, NASA has a radio station! Third Rock Radio, the result of a special Space Act agreement between NASA and RFC Media LLC, is a curated rock station aimed specifically at young adults. The station features rock songs from a wide range of styles and decades but offers a special emphasis on modern rock. Interspersed with the music are announcements of NASA news, celebrity guests and movie reviews. Third Rock broadcasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is accessible by web browser or the Third Rock app.
3. NASA History Archive
Cool pictures of Apollo astronauts, biographies of luminaries in the space business and documents that show the founding of NASA are just a handful of interesting tidbits that can be found in the NASA History Archive. Whether you are doing genuine research or just want to read transcripts of astronauts arguing with each other, the archive probably has what you're looking for.
4. Great Images In NASA
Vintage space pictures! Cool space shots! Pivotal moments in human history! NASA's GRIN collection has every space-related picture you've ever wanted in high resolution and downloadable for free. The search is easy to do and categories are thorough--from NASA women to images from the Soviet space program to beautiful pre-2000 images of the planets.
5. For Students
For Students has a page for every age group, including college students! This page is chock-full of links to apps and blogs (including a blog written by the man in charge, Charles Bolden!) and also includes information about science contests and internship opportunities. You can also learn about what students across the world are doing to further scientific understanding and advance our steps in space.
6. NASATV
You likely already know that NASA has its own TV station, but did you know that NASATV runs free online? Rocket launches, astronaut interviews and NASA-developed programming are playing all day, every day on three different channels. You can also switch to the International Space Station's HD viewer to see cool views of the station and the Earth from above.
