NASA launches live video feed from outer space

Would-be astronauts can now get a peek at the inner workings of the International Space Station, courtesy of a video feed on the NASA website.

In late January, NASA astronauts began sending Twitter messages directly from the International Space Station. Now, web users grounded on planet earth will get a second peek into outer space, via a streaming video feed available daily on NASA's website.

This week, NASA launched the feed, which includes audio of communications between Mission Control and the astronauts and live images from among the stars.

To be clear, this ain't exactly a high-drama. Expect to see a few shots of astronauts puttering around the laboratory complex, and a few views of the station's exterior, which is currently orbiting approximately 220 miles above earth. Still, for would-be astronauts, the video feed is an unprecedented opportunity to get a peek at the details of life in outer space.

To access the video feed, and to browse viewing times, log on to http://www.nasa.gov/station. Keep in mind that the connection may not always be perfect – NASA says during "loss of signal periods," Web users could see a test pattern on their screens – and that the availability of the feed is dependent on the schedules of the astronauts.

Since last March, NASA has provided streaming images of the exterior of the space station and of planet Earth. But in recent months, NASA has ratcheted up its live Internet operations.

"Hello Twitterverse!" NASA Flight Engineer TJ Creamer typed back in January. "We r now LIVE tweeting from the International Space Station -- the 1st live tweet from Space!"

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