NASA's Crew-13 Mission Set to Launch: How Viewers Can Watch Live

NASA is slated to launch the Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station on Thursday, marking the thirteenth crew rotation under the agency's Commercial Crew Program. The flight, carried aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, will transport four astronauts—two from the United States, one from Japan, and one from the United Arab Emirates—to the orbital laboratory.

Fans and space enthusiasts can follow the ascent in real time through several official channels. NASA’s website will host a live video feed that includes commentary from mission control, while the agency’s YouTube channel will stream the same coverage with additional graphics. SpaceX will also provide its own livestream on the company’s website and on its official Twitter and Twitch accounts, offering a behind‑the‑scenes look at launch operations.

For those preferring traditional media, the launch will be broadcast on major television networks that have partnered with NASA for previous crewed launches. In the United States, the event is expected to appear on NBC, which has aired prior Crew missions, as well as on the NASA TV cable channel available through most satellite and cable providers. International viewers can tune in via local broadcasters that carry NASA’s feed, often listed on the agency’s launch page.

To ensure a smooth viewing experience, the agency recommends checking local listings for any schedule changes, as weather conditions at the Cape can cause brief delays. The launch window opens at 3:38 a.m. Eastern Time (7:38 a.m. GMT), and the countdown will be updated in real time on the live streams. Viewers should also be aware that the webcast may include a brief pre‑launch countdown clock and a safety countdown, followed by the rocket’s ignition and lift‑off.

Beyond the live coverage, NASA will provide post‑launch analysis, including a replay of the ascent and interviews with the astronauts once they have safely docked with the ISS. The mission is part of a broader effort to maintain a continuous U.S. presence in low‑Earth orbit, supporting scientific research and international cooperation. As the next crewed flight in the Commercial Crew Program, Crew-13 underscores the growing role of private partners in U.S. human spaceflight and offers the public a front‑row seat to a milestone in space exploration.