'Third Rock' Launched Monday On NASA Home Page, Apps Coming Soon

NASA's mission of discovery and exploration will be showcased in a custom-produced Internet music radio station that is crafted specifically to speak the language of tech-savvy young adults. Third Rock - America's Space Station is set to launch with a New Rock/Indie/Alternative format on Monday, Dec. 12. The station is being developed and operated at no cost to the government through a Space Act Agreement. Third Rock can be reached from NASA's home page, and will soon be available through NASA iPhone and Droid mobile applications.

"NASA constantly is looking for new and innovative ways to engage the public and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers," said David Weaver, associate administrator for the Office of Communications at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "We have led the way in innovative uses of new media and this is another example of how the agency is taking advantage of these important communication tools."

NASA is collaborating with Houston-based RFC Media to launch the station.

"Today's 4G audience craves new music and enjoys finding it," said Pat Fant, RFC Media co-founder and chief operating officer. "We've pulled out the best songs and the deepest tracks from a full spectrum of rock artists across many styles and decades. NASA features and news items are embedded throughout the programming alongside greetings by celebrity artists."

Third Rock also will help partner companies fill high-tech job openings in the engineering, science and IT fields. In addition to the NASA Web Portal, the station will be available online in the future at the radio tab of Apple's iTunes and other sites.

"No one knows more about discovering new rock than NASA," said Cruze, RFC Media co-founder and president. "Exciting new music is being discovered online through specialty sites like Third Rock-America's Space Station, where listeners will hear about great new artists way before their friends hear of them."

FMI: www.rfcmedia.com/thirdrockradio/