(30 March 2006 2:00 pm)

MUMBAI: NASA and HDNet have joined together to provide high definition TV coverage of space shuttle launches through 2010. The agreement ensures the remaining shuttle lift-offs and landings at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida will be broadcast in the highest quality television format available.

NASA administrator Michael Griffin and HDNet chairman and president Mark Cuban will discuss formal details of the agreement during a news conference on 6 April in Colorado.

"We appreciate the financial investment and technical expertise HDNet has brought to the table to help us reach audiences interested in this next generation of television," Griffin said.

HDNet will broadcast the flights in high definition TV, known as HDTV, which has at least twice the resolution of standard television formats. HDNet also will provide the agency a standard broadcast signal of launches for use by media networks and NASA TV. When possible, it will air HDTV coverage of NASA's expendable rocket launches on its network.

"This is an exciting deal for HDNet. Every shuttle launch is a unique and historic American experience. For the next four years, the place to watch this full live broadcast experience in high-definition will be on HDNet. We are proud that NASA has partnered with HDNet for this important role," Cuban said.