SpaceX appears to no longer broadcast livestreams on YouTube, but on X

SpaceX appears to be stopping live streams of launches on YouTube. Videos of some recent launches and astronaut returns are gone from YouTube, as are references to the channel. SpaceX would like to offer the streams on Elon Musk’s X.

On SpaceX’s website The live streams have been removed from recent Starlink launches. They are no longer available either the company’s YouTube channel to find. In addition to the now routine flights of Starlink communications satellites, a video of the splashdown of the Crew Dragon, with four astronauts on board, is no longer available on YouTube. The last video can still be seen on X, the former Twitter.

SpaceX has not said anything about the recent change in policy. The decision is not entirely unexpected, however. First of all, X now belongs to Elon Musk, who is also still the boss at SpaceX. Musk wants to market X more as a video and livestream platform and the popular SpaceX livestreams fit well with that idea. In addition, it is not the first time that SpaceX has tried to reduce its live streams. Years ago, the company suggested no longer broadcasting certain streams, according to SpaceX because Falcon rocket launches were becoming routine and it was barely worth the investment anymore. That decision was eventually reversed after much criticism from fans.

It has been normal for years to broadcast a live stream of most launches, except for certain military launches. SpaceX has also always been known for the good quality of its live streams, both in image quality and in terms of presentation and visual aspects.