Solar Eclipse to Be Broadcast Live from 33,000 Feet

A special live broadcast will capture the total solar eclipse on 12 August from an altitude of more than 10,000 metres (approximately 32,800 feet) above the Iberian Peninsula.

The broadcast will take place aboard a specially equipped Iberia Airbus A321XLR, which will remain airborne during the eclipse to capture footage from above the clouds. Four cameras will be used to record the event from the aircraft.

The production will use technology from TVU Networks to transmit the live footage. Video captured onboard the aircraft will be sent through TVU One via Starlink, which is currently being rolled out across the Iberia fleet. The signal will then be delivered to the TVU MediaHub for onward distribution.

The platform will distribute the live signal to more than 100 receivers around the world, with recipients able to select their preferred delivery format, including SRT or TVU Grid (ISSP). This demonstrates how IP-based contribution and distribution can support complex live productions from challenging locations.

The total solar eclipse will be particularly significant for Spain and Portugal as it will be the first total solar eclipse visible from the Iberian Peninsula since 1912. Creative direction and technical production will be handled by El Sótano Doc, with Golden News Media supporting connectivity and signal distribution.

The project highlights the growing role of satellite connectivity and IP-based broadcast workflows in enabling live coverage from locations that would traditionally present significant technical challenges. Combining Starlink connectivity with TVU's transmission and distribution technology will allow the eclipse to be delivered live to audiences and broadcasters around the world