Apr 17, 2017 - Science

NASA plans 360-degree live stream of Tuesday's rocket launch

Ina Fried, author of Login

United Launch Allaince

If you've ever wanted to get close to a rocket launch, NASA is offering a new way to do so.

For the first time, the space agency is broadcasting a launch live in 360-degree video. The 360-degree live stream is scheduled to start 10 minutes before liftoff on NASA's YouTube channel. The launch of an International Space Station resupply ship is targeted for some time in a 30-minute window that starts around 11:11 a.m. ET. At the moment, the weather forecast looks good, with a 90 percent chance of favorable launch conditions.

While you can view the launch from a computer or standard mobile device, a virtual reality headset offers the best opportunity to feel like you are right there at Cape Canaveral.

Why it matters: Virtual Reality headsets hold the promise of allowing people to put themselves in places they would never normally be. Being able to be on a rocket launch pad is a perfect example of that.

Go deeper

Dave Lawler
Updated 28 mins ago - World

At least 100 killed, much of Beirut destroyed in massive explosion

Photo: Anwar Amro/AFP via Getty Images

A major explosion Beirut, Lebanon has killed at least 100 people and injured over 4,000, according to the Lebanese Red Cross.

Driving the news: Prime Minister Hassan Diab said the explosions occurred at a warehouse that had been storing 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate for over six years.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Hans Nichols, Alexi McCammond
1 hour ago - Politics & Policy

Biden confidants see VP choices narrowing to Harris and Rice

Photos: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images; Win McNamee/Getty Images

Confidants of Joe Biden believe his choices for vice president have narrowed to Sen. Kamala Harris and Susan Rice — and would be surprised if he picks anyone else.

The state of play: This is a snapshot of the nearly unanimous read that we get from more than a dozen people close to him.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Stef W. Kight, Alexi McCammond
2 hours ago - Politics & Policy

An election like no other

Illustration: Eniola Odetunde/Axios

The coronavirus will make the 2020 presidential election different from any in modern history: Voting that begins earlier, results that take longer, mail carriers as virtual poll workers and October Surprises that pop in September.

The big picture: Perhaps 80 million Americans will vote early, by mail or in person, Tom Bonier, CEO of TargetSmart, a Democratic political data firm, tells Axios. That's going to set up more of an Election Season than an Election Day — and increase the odds of national turmoil over the vote count.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow