What time does the SpaceX rocket launch doubleheader near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center lift off?
There are two possible rocket launches coming up, and the Space Coast might get a good look at both.
SpaceX plans to launch a GSAT-20 communications satellite and an Optus-X satellite from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Sunday and Monday, November 17 and 18, respectively. People from Titusville to Melbourne Beach may witness a lovely streak in the sky during each launch, depending on visibility, weather, and cloud cover. This is especially likely given that the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center are located in this coastal region of Florida.
With the majority of the 2024 flights coming from SpaceX, Florida Space Coast has already surpassed the record for the most orbital rocket launches in a single year. SpaceX also contributed to the 72 rocket launches that were carried out close to Cape Canaveral in 2023, helping to break the record for the most rocket launches annually. In 2024, the Space Coast had launched 79 orbital rockets as of Friday, Nov. 15.
Where in Florida can I witness a rocket launch?
The SpaceX rocket launch should be visible from practically anyplace in Brevard County, weather permitting and contingent on cloud cover. Additionally, there is usually a rumble minutes after liftoff. Particularly at night, launches are more visible and visually stunning.
There is a chance for unusual pictures during a launch window in the middle of the night or very early in the morning since the rocket illuminates the pitch-black sky and the contrail afterwards provides for a fantastic shot.
Does Florida offer rocket launches? The following is SpaceX Optus-X on Sunday, November 17.
*Although SpaceX has not yet made this mission public, an operations plan advisory from the Federal Aviation Administration indicates that the company will launch the Optus-X satellite for an Australian telecommunications operator on Sunday.
*Window of launch: 4:29–6:57 p.m. EDT Nov. 17, Sunday
*Location: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 40
*Direction: Eastward
The twin boosters of a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket return to earth at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, FL Tuesday morning, November 1, 2022. The boosters helped lift a package into orbit for the US Space Force. Mandatory Credit: Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK.
90 minutes before to takeoff, live coverage begins at floridatoday.com/space:
The USA TODAY Network’s Space Team, which includes visual journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark, and Tim Shortt as well as FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards, will be providing live rocket launch coverage. Ninety minutes before to liftoff, our Space Team will provide the latest information in a mobile-friendly live blog at floridatoday.com/space, complete with a countdown clock. You can enter floridatoday.com/space into your browser or download the FLORIDA TODAY app for free from the App Store or Google Play.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket breaks through the sound barrier after launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Sunday, April 28, 2024. The rocket is carrying 23 Starlink satellites Craig Bailey/FLORIDA TODAY via USA TODAY NETWORK
When does Florida host rocket launches? Nov. 18, Monday: SpaceX GSAT-20,
*Mission: According to navigational warnings from the Coast Guard and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, SpaceX is scheduled to launch the GSAT-20 communications satellite on Monday afternoon.
*Launch window: Monday, November 18, from 1:31 to 3:50 p.m. EDT
*Location: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 40
*Direction: Eastward
90 minutes before to takeoff, live coverage begins at floridatoday.com/space:
The USA TODAY Network’s Space Team, which includes visual journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark, and Tim Shortt as well as FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards, will be providing live rocket launch coverage. Ninety minutes before to liftoff, our Space Team will provide the latest information in a mobile-friendly live blog at floridatoday.com/space, complete with a countdown clock. You can enter floridatoday.com/space into your browser or download the FLORIDA TODAY app for free from the App Store or Google Play.
People parked along the Beachline and the Banana River watched the launch of a SpaceX Falcom 9 rocket with the Astra 1P/SES-24 satellite. The rocket launched from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Thursday, June 20th at 5:35 p.m. EDT.
Space Coast weather radar: Will it rain today in Cape Canaveral, Florida, Cocoa Beach, or Melbourne?
The Melbourne radar of the National Weather Service is displayed, providing real-time weather information for the Space Coast and other Florida regions. This radar embed’s bottom right corner displays the current time and date; if not, you might need to clear your cache.
SpaceX Inspiration4 streaks skyward over Daytona Beach, Wednesday, Sept 15, 2021.
Where to observe a SpaceX rocket launch from Florida’s Space Coast,
You can see the rocket launch from almost anywhere in Brevard, and in some spots, you can even catch a breathtaking glimpse of SpaceX rocket boosters returning to the pads. The beach is the greatest place to see a rocket launch from the Space Coast. Weather conditions will affect visibility, though, so people should be careful not to obstruct traffic or rights of way on bridges and to abide by stated beach laws.