Jump to:

How to watch Artemis II live stream – what time is NASA rocket launch?

News
By published

Artemis II live stream: NASA’s first crewed Moon mission in 50 years

(L-R) Canadian Space Agency astronaut Artemis II Mission Specialist Jeremy Hansen, NASA astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist Christina Koch, NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman and NASA astronaut and Artemis II pilot Victor Glover look on during a welcome ceremony ahead of the Artemis II April 1 launch at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 27, 2026. NASA and Canadian Space Agency astronauts assigned to the Artemis II mission arrive at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 27, 2026, to begin final pre-launch preparations for the first crewed lunar flyby in the Artemis program. The journey, set to last around 10 days, will take the astronauts on a loop around the Moon, though they will not land on its surface. The crew comprises the first woman, the first person of color and the first non-American to take part in such a journey. (Photo by Miguel J. Rodriguez CARRILLO / AFP via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Jump to:

NASA is about to make history again — NASA’s first crewed Moon mission in over 50 years is gearing up for liftoff at Kennedy Space Center. The good news? You won’t need a rocket scientist — or even a telescope — to watch Artemis II live streams for free.

During the 10-day journey around the Moon, the U.S. space agency will "test the Orion spacecraft’s life support systems for the first time with people" and lay the groundwork for any future crewed Artemis missions.

Ready to launch your viewing plans into orbit? Below we explain exactly how to tune into NASA's Artemis II rocket launch today, plus when to tune in....

Artemis II launch time

Artemis II is targeted to launch no earlier than Wednesday, April 1 at 6:24 p.m. ET (23:24 p.m. GMT).

Live coverage begins 2–3 hours before liftoff.

Note that the launch window lasts from few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on conditions.

How to watch Artemis II live streams (free)

You can stream the Artemis II rocket launch for free on NASA TV (official live stream), NASA’s YouTube channel, NASA+ streaming service (via app or web), NASA’s official website and NASA's Twitch.

NASA YouTube channel is the best option as this has the most continous live mission coverage, plus a Spanish version. Hit play below to watch the Artemis II live stream.

YouTube YouTube
Watch On

How to watch Artemis II streams from anywhere

Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching YouTube or your usual free NASA stream?

Our favorite VPN (Virtual Private Network) will allow you to watch as if you were back in your home country (just download the app and set it to your local country). NordVPN is the best on the market – and we have a special discount for readers:

NordVPN Deal: 3 Months Extra FREENordVPN✅ 3 months extra FREE!✅ Up to 75% off usual price✅ Unblocks streams
Exclusive Deal

▶︎ NordVPN Deal: 3 Months Extra FREE

Boasting lightning fast speeds, great features, streaming power, and class-leading security, NordVPN is our #1 VPN.

✅ 3 months extra FREE!
✅ Up to 75% off usual price
✅ Unblocks streams

Use Nord to unblock your preferred coverage and watch the NASA rocket launch live stream with our exclusive deal.

View Deal

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Set your location. For instance, if you want to watch the free Artemis live stream choose 'USA from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy liftoff. Head to NASA's YouTube channel and watch Artemis II live online as the moon mission gets underway.

Can I watch Artemis II live on TV?

Yes. While NASA has shifted away from traditional TV channels it has confirmed that coverage will be available via smart TV apps such as Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Hulu, Netflix and Roku.

Still stick? News channels such as Fox News and NewsNation will simulcast the 2026 Artemis launch live from Kennedy.

What to expect from the Artemis II live coverage

It's well worth joining the live stream early for the pre-launch coverage, official countdown, and launch commentary. NASA will also provide real-time telemetry, animations, onboard footage (when the rocket is safely in orbit), and mission updates as the astronauts tackle a record-breaking spaceflight around the moon.

Artemis II crew

  • Jeremy Hansen - Canadian Space Agency astronaut Artemis II Mission Specialist
  • Christina Koch – NASA astronaut and Artemis II Mission Specialist,
  • Commander Reid Wiseman – NASA astronaut and Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman and
  • Victor Glover – NASA astronaut and Artemis II pilot Victor Glover 

More from Tom's Guide

Tom Bailey

Tom is a journalist, copywriter and content designer based in the UK. He has written articles for T3, TechRadar, ShortList, The Sun, The Mail on Sunday, The Daily Telegraph, Elle Deco, The Sunday Times, Men's Health, Auto Trader and many more. His specialities include mobile technology, electric cars, and video streaming. He is a huge Formula 1 fan and his favourite circuit is Silverstone, where you'll find him cheering on the McLaren of Lando Norris.

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Back To Top