A new documentary made with the help of NASA is a stark reminder of just how big an impact humans have had on the planet, according to a former astronaut who served as a space consultant on the project.

Marsha Ivins was first selected into the NASA Astronaut Class of 1984 as a mission specialist and has since logged more than 1,300 hours in space.

"[The idea] for this documentary was to show people not just life on board a space station ... but the footprint that we as human beings have put on this very fragile and delicate planet of ours," she said.

Sorry, this video has expired Former astronaut Marsha Ivins chats with ABC News Breakfast

The documentary, A Beautiful Planet, shows footage of Earth taken from the International Space Station (ISS) and gives aerial insight into the impacts of deforestation, pollution and drought.

It also shows just how far cities have spread across the globe, as illustrated by night lights.

"I think people will be surprised at just how big we are on the planet," Ms Ivins said.

"I think it's important that people realise that if we continue to live the way we are living and not taking care of our planet, then there won't be much of a planet to live on in the future."

The illuminated cities of London, Paris and Amsterdam. ( Supplied: NASA )

Los Angeles and the dry surrounding landscape is clearly visible from space. ( Supplied: NASA )

The blue Bahamas are a stunning sight from the International Space Station. ( Supplied: NASA )

The aurora lights as seen from space. ( Supplied: NASA )

The sun rises over the edge of the Earth. ( Supplied: NASA )

An astronaut on a spacewalk to repair the exterior of the International Space Station. ( Supplied: NASA )

A view of Earth through a cupola on the International Space Station. ( Supplied: NASA )

Astronaut Kimiya Yui unpacks a supply of fresh fruit. ( Supplied: NASA )

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