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NASA’s Podcasts Reach New Audiences in 2024

In an exciting revelation, NASA's audio storytelling has made a significant impact in 2024, as highlighted by Spotify Wrapped. The annual summary showcased NASA's podcasts as a top preference among audiences worldwide, particularly those eager to dive into science and space exploration.

Astronaut Insights

To commemorate this achievement, NASA astronaut Nick Hague engaged in a discussion with Spotify about the sounds of space during the year. He noted, "Music is one of those things that connects us to the planet." This sentiment of connection is especially notable in the unique environment of space.

Hague explained how music plays a crucial role for astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). "The soundtrack up here goes all the time. Everyone has their own taste in music, and every Friday night, the crew gathers to enjoy tunes we've selected from various genres, including pop and hard rock. It’s a truly international blend," he remarked.

A Symphony in Space

Hague also mentioned the specific ambiance that classical music provides during spacewalks. He articulated that the slow, methodical nature of classical compositions mirrors the precision required in such activities, enhancing the overall experience of floating in space.

In 2024, NASA’s podcasts captured the attention of more than 100 countries, reaching unprecedented audiences. Some of the standout moments included:

• - Ranking highly among science and space podcast enthusiasts
• - Spending a notable 37 weeks in Spotify’s top science podcast charts
• - The standout title, "NASA's Curious Universe" and the most streamed episode titled "A Year in Mars Dune Alpha"

Celebrating the Milestone

Brittany Brown, NASA's Director of Digital Communications, expressed her excitement about the agency's collaboration with Spotify. "We are thrilled to have our space-centric content featured in Spotify Wrapped 2024. This partnership illustrates NASA's ongoing commitment to produce innovative and engaging content that resonates with diverse audiences. It’s inspiring to see how people connect with the wonders of space through our unique listening experiences."

Diverse Content for Global Audiences

NASA’s podcasts delve into a wide range of captivating topics. From in-depth interviews with astronauts to thrilling stories that offer an immersive journey through the cosmos, each episode serves to engage listeners with the many marvels of space exploration. Additionally, Spanish-language content broadens accessibility, reflecting NASA's aim to reach a diverse demographic through its platforms.

Katie Konans, Audio Program Lead at NASA's eMITS contract, further emphasized the uniting ability of music. "Music, like space, brings people together across cultures and backgrounds. Our partnership with Spotify has allowed us to share the magic and excitement of space with podcast and music fans worldwide. In 2024, we're eager to elevate this connection even further by expanding our conversations about the universe beyond our planet."

The Future is Bright

NASA’s podcast initiative began in 2023 and has been instrumental in engaging the next generation—often referred to as the Artemis Generation—interested in science, space exploration, and discovery. The podcasts are easily accessible not only on Spotify but also on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and Soundcloud, allowing audiences to engage with NASA’s enriching content wherever they are.

Explore NASA's extensive collection of podcasts by visiting their official page. As revealed in this year's Spotify Wrapped, the universe of sound is as fascinating as the universe itself, and there's no better time to tune in and experience it all.