Netflix has confirmed that it will live stream the launch of the SpaceX Crew-13 mission, scheduled for October 1, 2026. This continues the partnership the platform has maintained with NASA since mid-2025 to integrate live space broadcasts into its user interface as part of its growing commitment to live programming.
After a rocky start regarding the frequency of these broadcasts, the agreement between Netflix and NASA gained momentum this summer and now extends to covering the launch of Crew-13 to the International Space Station (ISS).
What is the SpaceX Crew-13 mission
The Crew-13 mission represents NASA's thirteenth commercial crew rotation to the International Space Station. An international team of four astronauts will take charge of a multi-month scientific expedition once their SpaceX Dragon capsule docks with the orbital laboratory.
The crew combines veteran and rookie astronauts from NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, and Roscosmos. Its members are:
Jessica Watkins (NASA astronaut and commander), Luke Delaney (NASA astronaut and pilot), Joshua Kutryk (Canadian Space Agency), and Sergey Teteryatnikov (Roscosmos).
Once safely docked at the ISS, the team will take control of station operations, conduct hundreds of scientific experiments, oversee new technology demonstrations, and handle critical facility maintenance. According to available information, the crew will remain on board until their return to Earth in 2027.
Why Netflix is betting on space launches
Netflix's interest in this type of live content is no coincidence. The platform already broadcast the lunar flyby of the Artemis II mission in April 2026, as well as the subsequent return and splashdown of the crew, although it chose not to broadcast the initial launch of that mission.
According to data collected in the Netflix Engagement Report for the first half of 2026, both broadcasts combined for 3.8 million viewing hours globally. The official breakdown is as follows:
NASA+ Live on Netflix: NASA's Artemis II Crew Comes Home (duration 3:54) accumulated 1,600,000 hours viewed and 400,000 views. Meanwhile, NASA+ Live on Netflix: NASA's Artemis II: Lunar Fly-By (duration 10:10) recorded 2,200,000 hours viewed and 200,000 views.
Although these figures are far from the numbers generated by Netflix's major live events, such as Jake Paul's fights or major sporting events, they surpassed the audience obtained by other live content on the platform, such as its hot dog eating competition. For a non-exclusive broadcast, the result is considered a success within Netflix's live events division.
When and how to watch the Crew-13 launch on Netflix
Netflix's official coverage for the Crew-13 launch will begin at 2:30 PM (British Summer Time, BST) on Thursday, October 1, 2026, ahead of the scheduled liftoff. In Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), coverage will start at 1:30 PM.
Netflix will directly broadcast the official NASA signal, so viewers will be able to follow live commentary, mission control updates, and the launch countdown integrated into the platform's own interface, alongside the rest of its original series and films. The broadcast on Netflix does not affect the availability of the stream on the official NASA website or on YouTube.
These are the approximate local times to follow the launch in different regions:
North America: 6:30 AM PDT, 7:30 AM MDT, 8:30 AM CDT, and 9:30 AM EDT. South America: 10:30 AM BRT. UK and Europe: 2:30 PM BST and 3:30 PM CEST. Middle East and India: 5:30 PM GST and 7:00 PM IST. Japan: 10:30 PM JST. Australia: 11:30 PM AEST. New Zealand: 2:30 AM NZDT (early Friday, October 2).
Frequently asked questions about the Crew-13 broadcast on Netflix
When will Netflix broadcast the launch of the Crew-13 mission?
Live coverage will begin on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 1:30 PM UTC, equivalent to 2:30 PM in the UK, ahead of the mission's scheduled liftoff.
Who makes up the Crew-13 mission crew?
The crew consists of Jessica Watkins and Luke Delaney from NASA, Joshua Kutryk from the Canadian Space Agency, and Sergey Teteryatnikov from Roscosmos.
Is this the first time Netflix has broadcast a NASA space event?
No. Netflix began its collaboration with NASA in mid-2025 and already broadcast the lunar flyby and the return of the Artemis II mission crew in April 2026.
Does the broadcast on Netflix replace the official NASA broadcast?
No. The broadcast on Netflix is carried out in parallel with the official NASA signal, so the stream will also continue to be available on the agency's website and its YouTube channel.
How long will the Crew-13 crew stay on the International Space Station?
According to available information, the crew will carry out scientific experiments and maintenance tasks aboard the ISS until their return to Earth in 2027.
