HD coverage for shuttle launch

[Gregg Lengling]

The launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery on mission STS-114 will be covered in HDTV on HDNet in North America.

"NASA is pleased to work with HDNet to provide the world's viewing audience live pictures of the launch of Space Shuttle Discovery in high-definition TV," said Mike Rein, chief of media services at the Kennedy Space Center. "These will undoubtedly be the highest quality pictures ever broadcast of a Space Shuttle launch."

Fourteen 1080i cameras are being installed throughout the Space Center to cover the launch. The channel plans to air the launch with only the sounds of NASA mission control accompanying the video feed.

"Once again, HDNet is leading the way with innovative and exclusive programming for our viewers," said HDNet's Mark Cuban. "While other networks are beholden to business as usual, only HDNet will bring launch-to-landing coverage of the Shuttle Discovery, without annoying talking heads interrupting this historic return to space."

Discovery is expected to launch on July 13 and land on July 25.