Space has captivated humanity‘s imagination for centuries. Recently, YouTube has become a premier destination for learning about and engaging with the latest discoveries about the cosmos. From official agency accounts to individual creators, YouTube enables space fans access to stunning visuals from probes and telescopes along with down-to-earth explanations of complex science.
As space-focused YouTube channels proliferate, which ones offer the most value for audience interests ranging from awe-inspiring astrophotography to the technical details of new propulsion systems? We‘ve compiled rankings for 2022 of the 10 best YouTube channels to fulfill all your cravings for space content.
1. NASA
As the world‘s preeminent space agency since 1958, NASA boasts the most subscribed space channel on YouTube with over 10 million followers. While many videos focus on NASA‘s latest news and stunning imagery from space missions, NASA also uses YouTube effectively for public outreach with celebrities like Michelle Obama and Mark Hamill visiting NASA facilities and getting kids excited about careers in STEM.
Recent popular videos include the James Webb Space Telescope completing deployment, videos transporting viewers aboard the International Space Station, and even an ongoing series with engineer Mark Rober testing space technology like astronaut meals. NASA‘s production quality and breadth of content explain its unparalleled reach for a government agency.
2. SpaceX
While an order of magnitude smaller than NASA with 6.14 million subscribers, SpaceX‘s YouTube channel offers uniquely immersive and stylized coverage of its groundbreaking rocket launches and tests. Edited launch videos with multiple camera angles and tracking shots of booster landings make the viewer feel part of the action while CEO Elon Musk sometimes hosts live commentary.
Beyond its signature launches, SpaceX uses YouTube to share new visualization of its future Starship plans like an animated video detailing the 2024 Dear Moon civilian voyage around the moon. Given its subscriber growth and SpaceX‘s ambitious schedule, its channel should continue to thrill space fans and recruit talent.
3. How to Astronomy
While most top space YouTube channels focus on the latest news and discoveries, How to Astronomy‘s Robert Reeves takes a philosophical and practical approach in teaching 1.67 million subscribers observational astronomy skills for stargazing. His lenticular astrophotography tutorials also dazzle.
Reeves relies on high-quality visuals from his home setup in England along with an earnest teaching style. Recent popular videos include guides to locate Andromeda Galaxy by eye and debunking flat earth models. How to Astronomy meets the demand for accessible amateur astronomy guidance.
4. Scott Manley
While a physics degree and experience working on space simulation software informs his content, Scott Manley‘s 1.3 million followers especially appreciate his ability to translate complex aerospace engineering concepts into engaging explanations anyone can grasp.
Scott Manley‘s videos analyze real rocket science questions using Kerbal Space Program video game simulations. Recent popular videos include examining SpaceX‘s Orbital Refilling plans and whether the Lunar Gateway makes sense. Thanks to his unique format and sense of humor, Manley both educates and entertains.
5. Astrum
Run by graphic designer Alex McColgan, Astrum‘s masterfully edited videos on space history, physics, and astronomy dazzle the channel‘s 1.3 million subscribers. Videos often examine concepts frequently misunderstood by the public around topics like the Fermi Paradox or a Black Hole Picture How-To.
Recent popular videos include a profile of pioneer rocket scientist Jack Parsons and a video tackling common black hole misconceptions. Astrum‘s production quality and focus on clarifying intricacies of space science for the layperson make it both an awe-inspiring and educational watch.
6. Everyday Astronaut
No other space YouTube channel offers as much exhilarating original footage from launch sites as Everyday Astronaut, run by photographer Tim Dodd. While watching launches directly with media credentials, Dodd and his 1.3 million subs get to experience fires and rumbling from rocket tests alongside explanations of intricate engineering details.
Recent popular videos involve Dodd sharing rare views of SpaceX‘s orbital Starship prototype and interviewing INSPIRATION4 commander Jared Isaacman. The channel‘s personal connections and Dodd‘s personable hosting style make viewers feel like part of an exclusive space club.
7. Deep Sky Videos
While most space YouTube channels focus on the latest news and discoveries, Deep Sky Videos offers a unique niche for amateur astronomers with beautifully filmed visual tours of galactic wonders in our night sky like nebula and star clusters. British astrophotographer Will McMillan‘s majestic videos captivate nearly 800K subscribers through views possible only by advanced telescopes.
Recent popular journeys include floating through the cosmic "Pillars of Creation" and exploring the intricacies of the Helix Nebula. Deep Sky Videos fosters a profound appreciation of our universe‘s artistry accessible for at-home astronomers.
8. Fraser Cain – Universe Today
Veteran space journalist Fraser Cain has built a dedicated 730K subscriber community around his passion for making space exploration meaningful to curious people trying to understand our place in the universe. His regular video explainers tackle deep philosophical questions and the latest discoveries that stir our imagination.
Recent popular videos include discussing the expansion of the universe and life lessons we learn from Apollo astronaut biographies. Fraser Cain‘s authentic wonder about space makes his channel recommended viewing for fans seeking to be continually awestruck about existing in this galaxy.
9. Anton Petrov
Through exhaustive daily coverage of the most interesting developments in astronomy and space exploration news, nutty scientist persona Anton Petrov has built a loyal 645K subscriber community turning to him as their preferred source for space stories. With bouncing mannerisms and goofy humor, Petrov makes even complicated concepts like measurements of bioluminescent exoplanets fun.
Recent popular coverage includes mysterious signals emanating from Proxima Centauri and freeze-dried microorganisms waking up from revived Antarctic permafrost. Petrov‘s uploads featuring his hand-drawn visuals and unconventional takes make fans feel connected while learning.
10. Rocket Lab
While lesser known than SpaceX, Rocket Lab offers a peek behind the curtain into a rising small rocket operator. Their channel with 35K subscribers provides tremendous behind-the-scenes factory footage and uniquely casual launch coverage while CEO Peter Beck directly engages fans.
Views inside their production facilities showcase the intricate detail engineering complex carbon fiber rockets and spacecraft components completely in-house. Rocket Lab‘s video access and underdog roots have won over a growing fanbase even as its channel remains relatively under the radar for now.
As public fascination with space continues to grow in the 21st century thanks to news of Mars rover explorations and stunning glimpses into the far reaches of our universe from advanced telescopes, YouTube enables direct viewer access unknown in previous eras. Space channels boast tens of millions of engaged subscribers.
YouTube space celebrities educate budding astronomers on observing techniques, update fans on rocket launches like sporting events, visualize bewildering concepts through entertaining animations, and infect us all with their own contagious enthusiasm for studying worlds beyond our own. This list represents just a sampling of the vibrant space community thriving on YouTube.
