BBC To Stream Six Nations Game In Space

The BBC has announced it will make broadcasting history this weekend as it live-streams the Scotland v England RBS Six Nations game – in space.

The broadcaster will stream the game on Saturday to British astronaut Major Tim Peake, who is currently aboard the International Space Station. The live stream means Tim will be able to watch the game some 400km above the earth, as both the BBC and European Space Agency feed the game to him in the space station.

Philip Bernie, Head of TV Sport for the BBC, said: "We've always tried to push the boundaries of broadcasting at the BBC, and streaming to space is an exciting first for us. We knew Tim was a massive rugby fan and now he can join the rest of the nation watching Scotland v England in the Six Nations."

Tim Peake said: "I know that space is a hostile environment, but Murrayfield, for the old Calcutta Cup, that's a whole different matter. And Scotland has a fire in their belly; you could hear their World Cup rage from up here in space... May the best team win! Come on England!"

John Feehan, Six Nations Rugby Chief Executive, commented: "The RBS 6 Nations is watched by millions of people across the globe and this latest development is certainly a new and exciting one. We are delighted that the BBC are able to bring all the action from the eagerly awaited Calcutta Cup clash between Scotland and England to keen rugby fan Tim and hope he enjoys all the action from the International Space Station."

Tim Peake will be posting updates tomorrow via his Twitter account here.

He has also recorded a special message ahead of the game which can be viewed via the BBC here.

(JP)