The SpaceX rocket is likely to launch just before the end of the week.
The space agency will send two Maxar WorldView satellites into space on a Falcon 9 rocket. Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, the SpaceX launch should be visible from almost anywhere on the Space Coast. There’s usually a roar just minutes after liftoff.
Here are suggestions for where to watch the launch from this area, a real-time weather radar to check for rainy conditions and other things to know. If there are changes to the launch schedule, this story will be updated.
For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY space reporter Rick Neale at [email protected]. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space.
Is there a rocket launch today?SpaceX and NASA's Upcoming Launch Schedule From Florida
Although SpaceX has not yet announced the mission, a navigational alert from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency indicates that a Falcon 9 rocket will launch two Maxar Intelligence WorldView Legion satellites on Thursday from Cape Canaveral Space Station.
- Launch window9:00 a.m. to 12:28 p.m. EST on Thursday, August 15
- location: Launch Complex 40
- Live coverage: You can watch live coverage of the missile launch from USA TODAY Space TeamOur space team includes FLORIDA TODAY space correspondents Rick Neal and Brooke Edwards and visual journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denmark and Tim Short. Our space team will provide up-to-the-minute updates in a mobile-friendly live blog at floridatoday.com/space, starting 90 minutes before liftoff. You can download the free app Florida Today Appand is available in App Store or Google PlayOr type floridatoday.com/space into your browser.
Space Coast Weather Radar: Will it rain in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, Florida today?
Pictured is the National Weather Service's radar in Melbourne, showing real-time conditions for the Space Coast and other parts of Florida. The current date and time are shown in the lower right of this embedded radar; otherwise, you may need to clear the cache.
Almost anywhere in Brevard, you'll be able to see a rocket launch — in certain areas, you can get Stunning view of SpaceX's returning rockets To the launch pads. The best view of a rocket launch from the Space Coast is along the beach. However, visibility is dependent on weather conditions and people should be careful not to obstruct traffic or rights of way on bridges and follow posted rules on the beaches.
If you're watching the launch along the Indian River in Titusville from Space View Park or Parrish Park, look directly east across the river.
If you are further south along the Indian River, look northeast.
Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore is the closest place to watch the launch because it is roughly parallel to Launch Pad 39A. From the beach, look south along the coast (you can even see the pad from some points).
Some hotspots to check out:
- Jetty Park Beach and Pier400 Getty Park Road, port canaveralNote, there is a parking fee.
- Playalinda Beach1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Please note that parking fees apply, and admission to Canaveral National Seashore is not always granted depending on capacity and time of day.
- Max Breuer Bridge and Parrish Park1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Note: Parking is available on both sides of the Max Brewer Bridge.
- Space View Garden8 Broad Street, Titusville
- Sand Point Park10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville
- Rotary Riverfront Park4141 South Washington Street, Titusville
- Riverfront Park in Cocoa Village401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa (just before State Road 520 Causeway)
- Cocoa VillageNear parks and shops or near sidewalks
- diverse Gardens on Merritt Island
- Rotary Garden1899 South Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island
- Kiwanis Park On Kiwanis Island Park Road in Merritt Island
- port canaveralwith ships from Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean in port.
- Alan Shepard Garden299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Please note that parking fees may apply.
- Cocoa Beach Pier401 Meade Ave. Parking fees vary.
- Laurie Wilson Garden1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Lori Wilson Park has a dog park, by the way.
- Sydney Fisher Park2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Note, parking fees may apply.
- Downtown Cocoa Beachalong the Minuteman Road
- Beach tables197 SR A1A, Satellite Beach
- Tide On Highway A1A in Satellite Beach
- diverse Gardensincluding the Pelican Beach Clubhouse, at Satellite Beach.
- Pineda Road
- Road or Galli
- Front Street Park near Melbourne (Highway 192) and Highway 1 in Melbourne
- Indialantic Walk At Melbourne Bridge and SR A1A
- Paradise Beach Parkalso known as Howard Futch Park, 2301 SR A1A, Melbourne (this is a beachfront park)
- Sebastian Inlet Park9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (admission fee applies)
- Ampersands Beach Park12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (Free Parking)
- South Beach Park1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (free parking)
- Merrill Barber Bridge In Vero Beach
- Alma Le Loy Bridge In Vero Beach
Sangalang is a senior digital producer for the USA TODAY Network in Florida. You can follow her on twitter Or Instagram on @byjensangalangSupport local journalism. Consider subscribing to a newspaper in Florida..
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