A “so Florida” thing to do is coming up: a SpaceX rocket launch.
SpaceX plans to send a Falcon 9 rocket with several Starlink satellites into orbit this weekend. And depending on weather and visibility, there could be a show in the sky.
Rockets launch from “the Cape,” or Cape Canaveral, Florida, area in Brevard County, which is an hour east of the Orlando theme parks. Sometimes, people from Daytona Beach to Melbourne Beach to Vero Beach might see a nice streak in the sky — given the proximity to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Below are suggestions on where to watch the rocket launch from this area and other things to know. It’s important to note that rocket launch scrubs and delays happen often for a variety of reasons. For live rocket launch coverage, celestial events and space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit (and bookmark) floridatoday.com/space.
For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com.
When is the next rocket launch in Florida? Friday, Sept. 5: SpaceX Starlink 10-57
Where can I see a rocket launch in Florida?
In Florida, we can best see a rocket launch in person if you’re anywhere on the Space Coast (Brevard County) or certain spots in the First Coast or Fun Coast (Volusia County) or the Treasure Coast (Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County). Pro tip: If you do watch it in person, get to your viewing destination early and prepare to stay later after the launch because of heavy traffic.
Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, a SpaceX rocket launch from Florida’s Space Coast could be visible from Daytona Beach to Melbourne to Vero Beach. In some cases, a Falcon 9 rocket launch has been spotted as far south as West Palm Beach. When there’s a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, there’s an opportunity for unique photos — the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail after makes for a great photo.
Can a rocket launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral, Florida, be seen outside of Florida? Once again depending on weather and on cloud cover, yes. For example, readers have submitted photos or posted on social platforms pictures of Falcon Heavy, which is made up of three Falcon 9 rocket first stages, visible from Myrtle Beach.
A rocket launch can be a treat for the ears, too: On the Space Coast, a “rumble” can be heard or window-shaking can be expected in some parts of Brevard County after liftoff. And some rocket launches have an added bonus: The SpaceX boosters return to a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean or, occasionally, to the company’s landing zone at Cape Canaveral. If a booster returns to the landing zone, there’s a sonic boom.
Best viewing spots to see NASA Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral, Florida, rocket launch
Pretty much anywhere in Brevard, you’ll get a view of the rocket launch − in certain areas, you can get an amazing view of SpaceX rocket boosters returning to the pads. The best view to watch a rocket launch from the Space Coast is along the beach. However, visibility will depend on weather conditions and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches.
If you are viewing the launch along the Indian River in Titusville from Space View Park or Parrish Park, look east directly across the river.
If you are farther south along the Indian River, look northeast.
Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore is the closest spot to view liftoff because it is almost parallel to Launch Pad 39A. On the beach, look south along the coastline, (you can even see the pad from some spots).
Some hotspots to check out:
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX morning rocket launch in Florida: What time is liftoff from Kennedy Space Center?
Reporting by Jennifer Sangalang, Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Florida Today
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
