NASA rocket launch live coverage and more coming to Netflix: When, how to watch
Cosmic connoisseurs will soon have another way to consume all the rocket launches, spacewalks and other celestial wonders they desire.
NASA and Netflix have announced that all of the U.S. space agency's live coverage is set to soon debut on one of the world's most popular streaming platforms. The programming, which will be available sometime this summer, will be just the latest of many options viewers have to watch NASA+ content.
"The goal is simple: to bring the excitement of the agency's discoveries, inventions, and space exploration to people, wherever they are," NASA said in a press release announcing the partnership.
Here's everything to know about how and when to watch NASA+ on Netflix.
What is NASA+? What happened to NASA TV?
Not that long ago, NASA ceased broadcasting programming via satellite for NASA TV, which was a widely available channel under most cable packages and live streaming services.
Instead, the space agency replaced NASA TV with NASA+, a free platform to stream all of the same content.
Content through NASA+ is available to watch on desktop both from the agency's official site and YouTube channel. The platform is also available to download as a mobile app on smartphones.
How to watch NASA coverage on Netflix
Now, all that same cosmic content is on its way to Netflix.
Viewers will soon be able to find live NASA+ content in the Netflix interface alongside other popular series.
'The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 calls on us to share our story of space exploration with the broadest possible audience,' Rebecca Sirmons, NASA+ general manager, said in a statement. 'Together, we're committed to a golden age of innovation and exploration – inspiring new generations – right from the comfort of their couch or in the palm of their hand from their phone.'
NASA+ similarly debuted in May on Prime with free content that does not require a subscription.
However, users will need to have a Netflix subscription to access otherwise free NASA+ content when it becomes available on the streaming platform. Netflix subscriptions start at $7.99 a month.
Netflix said in a press release on Tudum, its companion website, that NASA+ will be "included in all memberships."
When will NASA+ be available on Netflix?
While NASA has said its programming will debut on Netflix sometime this summer, an exact date has not been announced.
A spokeswoman for NASA said in an email to the USA TODAY Network that a premiere date will be announced soon.
"Additional programming details and schedules will be announced ahead of launch," NASA said in its announcement.
Are SpaceX launches included in the Netflix-NASA+ deal?
The partnership comes at a time that SpaceX is increasing its rocket launches from both Florida and California. The commercial spaceflight company, founded by billionaire Elon Musk, regularly launches Starlink satellites and is the only U.S. entity with a spacecraft capable of transporting astronauts to and from the International Space Station.
SpaceX provides its own coverage online and on social media site X of commercial missions like Starlink launches and flight tests in South Texas of its massive Starship spacecraft.
Coverage of SpaceX rocket launches is only provided on NASA+ when the U.S. space agency is a partner on missions.
When is the next major NASA rocket launch?
NASA and SpaceX's next human spaceflight, in fact, is likely to occur later in July or early in August.
Astronauts who journeyed in late-March to the space station as part of a NASA mission known Crew-10 are set to return to Earth in the weeks ahead after they are replaced by the Crew-11 contingent.
Both NASA and SpaceX, a partner on the space agency's commercial crew program, will provide coverage of the Crew-11 rocket launch and subsequent Crew-10 water landing in California.
NASA+ also provides regular coverage of astronaut spacewalks and live views of Earth from the International Space Station.
Space enthusiasts can also follow along with live coverage of Cape Canaveral rocket launches from FLORIDA TODAY, part of the USA TODAY Network.
Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com
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