Florida rocket launches, updated live
Every upcoming launch from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center, where to watch it, and how to plan your trip around it. From a local who watches from the beach.
By Elise Johnson, FloriCasa rental manager who lives on the Space Coast. Schedule updates live.
Cape Canaveral and KSC launch schedule
Times are Eastern and update automatically. Launches move often, so check again the day before and the morning of.
Launch data from The Space Devs Launch Library. Dates and times can change without notice; confirm with the launch provider before you travel.
The best public spots to watch a launch
The right spot depends on the pad. KSC pads (39A and 39B) are farther north, so Titusville is closest. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station pads (40, 41 and 37) are easy to see from the beaches in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach.
Titusville
- Space View Park , a free riverfront park looking across to the pads
- Max Brewer Bridge and the causeway, elevated views of the KSC pads
- Kennedy Point Park , across the Indian River
Best for KSC launches from Pads 39A and 39B. Expect heavy traffic for big launches.
Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach
- Jetty Park at Port Canaveral, the closest public beach to the Cape pads (small parking fee)
- Cocoa Beach Pier and the beach accesses along A1A
- Alan Shepard Park and Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach
Best for launches from Pads 40, 41 and 37, and for booster landings at the Cape.
Kennedy Space Center
- KSC Visitor Complex sells launch viewing tickets for many launches
- Playalinda Beach (Canaveral National Seashore) is close to the KSC pads but can close for some launches
Tickets and closures change by launch, so check the KSC Visitor Complex and National Park Service before you go.
Where to stay for a rocket launch
Quick answer: for most Florida launches, stay in Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach. You'll be minutes from the beach viewing spots for Cape Canaveral launches and a short drive from Titusville for Kennedy Space Center launches. Plan at least 2 to 3 nights so a scrub doesn't ruin the trip.
Cape Canaveral
The closest beach town to the Cape Canaveral launch pads and Port Canaveral, with Jetty Park right there. Quiet and great for longer launch trips. Vacation rentals here have a 6-night minimum by city rule.
Cocoa Beach
Restaurants, shops and the Cocoa Beach Pier, with launches visible from the beach. The easiest base if you want things to do while you wait for launch day. Most homes have a 3-night minimum or more.
Satellite Beach
Relaxed and residential, a bit farther south. Night launches still light up the sky, and it's an easy drive to the viewing spots for daytime launches.
Want the closest possible view of the KSC pads? Titusville sits right across the river. Many launch travelers stay on the beach and drive up to Titusville on launch day.
How to plan a launch trip
- Give yourself backup days. Weather and technical holds scrub launches all the time. A stay of a few nights means a scrub is just another try.
- Check the time the morning of. Launch windows can shift by minutes or days.
- Arrive early. Plan on 2 to 3 hours for crewed or heavy launches and about an hour for routine ones. Bridges and A1A back up fast.
- Night launches are worth it. They light up the sky and can be seen from far away.
- Listen for the sonic booms. When a booster lands back at the Cape, you'll hear the boom a few minutes after launch.
- Bring the basics. Beach chairs, bug spray, water and binoculars. Pull up the livestream on your phone to follow the countdown.
Stay a few nights on the beach
My homes in Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach and Satellite Beach put you minutes from the beach viewing spots, with room to wait out a scrub. Questions about launch timing? Text me at 321-222-3018.
Where should I stay to see a rocket launch in Florida?
Stay in Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach. You'll be minutes from the beach viewing spots for Cape Canaveral launches and a short drive from Titusville for Kennedy Space Center launches.
How many nights should I stay for a rocket launch?
At least 2 to 3 nights, so you have backup days if the launch scrubs. In Cape Canaveral, vacation rentals have a 6-night minimum by city rule.
Can you see a rocket launch from Orlando?
Sometimes. On a clear day you may spot the rocket climbing from Orlando, but the coast is about an hour away and gives you the real view and sound.
When is the best time of year to see a launch?
Launches happen year-round. Winter and spring often bring cooler, clearer weather, while summer afternoon storms cause more weather delays.
How often are there rocket launches in Florida?
Florida's Space Coast is the busiest launch site in the country, with launches from Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center most weeks. Check the schedule above for what's coming up.
Can you see a rocket launch from Cocoa Beach?
Yes. Launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station are easy to see from the beaches in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, including Jetty Park and the Cocoa Beach Pier. Night launches can be seen from much farther away.
Where is the best place to watch a launch?
It depends on the pad. For KSC Pads 39A and 39B, Titusville spots like Space View Park and the Max Brewer Bridge are closest. For Cape pads 40, 41 and 37, Jetty Park and the Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach beaches are great.
What happens if a launch is scrubbed?
The launch moves to a later time or day, often the next day. That's why I suggest staying a few nights if a launch is the reason for your trip.
Do I need tickets to watch a launch?
No, public beaches and parks are free, though some charge for parking. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex sells launch viewing tickets for many launches if you want to be closer.
Will I hear a sonic boom?
If the booster lands back at Cape Canaveral, yes. You'll hear one or more booms a few minutes after launch. Landings at sea don't make a boom on shore.