Photo: Los Angeles Times

NASA is bringing space exploration to your living room in a whole new way. Starting this summer, the U.S. space agency will begin streaming its live programming—including rocket launches, spacewalks, and real-time views of Earth—on Netflix, as part of a broader push to reach global audiences and modernize public engagement.

Expanding Access to Space Content

In a press release, NASA said the decision aligns with its mission under the National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958, which mandates sharing the story of American space exploration with the public.

“The National Aeronautics and Space Act of 1958 calls on us to share our story of space exploration with the broadest possible audience,” said Rebecca Sirmons, general manager of NASA+, in the announcement.

The partnership marks a major step forward in digital accessibility for NASA. While the agency will continue to provide free, ad-free broadcasts on the NASA app and website, Netflix’s massive global reach will help bring real-time space events to over 700 million users worldwide.

Rise of NASA+ and the Content Boom

NASA+ was launched in 2023 to centralize the agency’s vast content archive—from historical missions to live ISS coverage—and make it more digestible for the general public. The platform offers on-demand access to educational programs, mission briefings, and high-definition livestreams.

With space launches becoming more frequent—especially from private companies like SpaceX—there’s an increasing appetite for real-time, immersive content. Streaming on Netflix could provide a level of visibility and engagement that no government platform has matched so far.

Commercial Launch Boom Drives Interest

NASA’s partnership with Netflix comes amid a boom in commercial space activity. According to Space Explored, Elon Musk’s SpaceX has already completed 81 launches in the first half of 2025 alone. The company remains the only U.S.-based entity certified to transport astronauts to the International Space Station, and it continues to drive innovation with reusable rocket systems and ambitious plans for Mars.

Meanwhile, NASA is shifting its own role toward supporting missions in low-Earth orbit, developing partnerships with commercial providers and preparing for the upcoming Artemis missions, which aim to return humans to the Moon later this decade.

Netflix’s Strategic Move Into Space Content

Netflix’s move to host NASA content is strategic. The platform, whose stock has surged 51% year-to-date, is looking to diversify its programming with more live and science-based events. The streaming giant has invested heavily in nature documentaries and true science content, and this new partnership reinforces its push into educational and real-time programming.

Although financial details of the partnership have not been disclosed, the alignment offers mutual benefits. Netflix gains exclusive, high-profile content that enhances its brand credibility, while NASA expands its audience without compromising its commitment to open-access information.

Looking Ahead

As interest in space exploration reaches new heights, NASA’s decision to stream on Netflix positions it to capture the attention of younger, tech-savvy audiences across the globe. It also reflects a broader trend of government agencies leveraging commercial platforms to fulfill public outreach goals in a more engaging and accessible format.

This new chapter in NASA’s public engagement strategy is expected to kick off in summer 2025, with the first broadcasts likely centered around upcoming SpaceX launches, ISS missions, and Earth observation events.