Rocket Launch Viewing at Cape Canaveral: Where & How to Watch, View and See Delta 4, Atlas 5 & Falcon 9 Launches
Rocket Launch Viewing Guide for Cape CanaveralDelta 4, Atlas 5 & Falcon 9
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Atlas 5 / August 31 @ early morning: Playalinda Beach (4.8-5.7 miles) will be the best viewing site if the launch is after their opening time of 6:00am. The KSC Visitor Complex will not open for this launch due to the early time. Check back for more information closer to launch.This section outlines the next few launch dates for each of the three rockets from Cape Canaveral:ATLAS 5The next United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket, flying in its most powerful configuration, a 551 with five SRBs, will launch MUOS-4 for the US Navy on August 31, sometime between 4:07am and 8:07am EDT. Sunrise is 6:58am EDT. The exact time will be revealed closer to launch. The launch window likely stretches 44 minutes in duration. Then, an Atlas 5 will launch the Mexsat 2 (Morelos 3) Mexican communications satellite aboard a two-solid 421 version on October 2, likely at 6:09am EDT. The launch window likely stretches 19 minutes to 6:28am EDT. Sunrise is 7:16am EDT. After that, an Atlas 5 401 with no solids will launch GPS 2F-11 on October 30, likely in the afternoon EDT. Finally this year, an Atlas 5 in the 401 configuration will launch Orbital Science's Cygnus cargo module on its fourth supply mission to the International Space Station on December 3, around 3 to 5pm EST if early December. After that, an Atlas 5 in the 401 configuration with no solids will launch GPS 2F-12 on February 3. Then an Atlas 5 with four solids in the 541 configuration will launch the GOES-R weather satellite for NASA & NOAA on March 11.FALCON 9Falcon 9 is scheduled to return to flight no earlier than September. The next mission is TBD. The next few SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from Cape Canaveral include a Dragon cargo capsule on ISS resupply mission CRS-8; sending the SES-9 communication satellite for SES World Skies into
and the 11 remaining Orbcomm OG-2 mission satellites. The order of the missions is TBA.DELTA 4The next United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket will be a Delta 4-Heavy with a National Reconnaissance Office payload, NROL-37, on late April 2016. Then, a Delta 4 will launch AFSPC-6 for the US Air Force in July 2016.
A Delta 4 launch as seen from Route 401 in Port Canaveral in 2003. This version had no Solid Rocket Boosters and thus no smoke trail.
KEEPING UPDATEDInformation on each launch, its launch date and the latest status on weather and technical issues during a launch countdown can be found at
and the &mission status center& they provide each time. You can also watch the launch webcast live on your smartphone there (also in the status center), but keep in mind there is a 10-20 second delay. You should continue to check the status of the launch up until you leave your home, as well as afterwards on your smartphone. Twitter is also a good place to stay updated these days, following SpaceflightNow, NASASpaceflight and a couple of others (or just follow the mission hashtags). Updates may also be found for some launches on a scanner at 146.9400, a local radio repeater which rebroadcasts the official launch coverage audio. This may also be on a delay depending on the launch. Some local AM station radio shows may also provide updates.You can keep track of future Cape Canaveral launch dates right here on this page, or on their .If you have further questions, or want to know how to photograph launches, please .
A 2009 Atlas 5 launch as seen from Playalinda Beach. This version also had no SRBs.
SECTION 1: LAUNCH VIEWING SUMMARYNEW UPDATES FOR 2015For quick reference, you just need to read this section. This gives visitors the information they need to know right away. For more details on these viewing sites you can continue reading the next section below.This is the only completely accurate launch viewing guide on the internet. I have personally verified all details over 15 years of experience and have accurately measured all distances to within less than one-tenth of a mile. Note that other potential slightly closer locations you see on a map and which are not mentioned mean they are not on public property or in an safe viewing location.Note first that each of the three rockets (Atlas 5, Falcon 9 and Delta 4) uses its own separate launch pad (Complex 41, 40 and 37B, respectively, from north to south). The launch pads at Cape Canaveral are separated by a couple of miles, so viewing is different for each one. I frequently get questions by email about which is the best rocket to come see. Unfortunately, this involves a more complicated answer than you might expect, as each of the three rockets can alternate for the winner of 'best viewing' depending on what time of day they are launching and whether the KSC Visitor Complex is offering tickets to get to an even closer spot, which only occurs for some launches. Read the sections below for more information. As soon as late 2015, a new launch pad will be added to the guide, as former space shuttle pad 39A will become the second launch pad for the Falcon 9 rocket, including the larger Falcon 9 Heavy.ATLAS 5 LAUNCH VIEWINGAtlas 5 rockets launch from Pad 41 (). It is now possible to view some Atlas 5 launches from as close as just 2.3 miles away at the LC-39 Observation Gantry by buying tickets sold by the . Keep in mind this site could deemed off-limits at the last minute due to wind direction (a safety concern) because of the short distance to the pad. But, this is by far the new best place to view and the closest viewing of any kind for any launch. Playalinda Beach is the next closest place, and also is the best spot outside the space center, at just 4.8 miles from the launch pad once you walk down the beach. It is also the closest free or low cost ($5) viewing site for any rocket. However, it is not open for night launches (operating hours are 6:00am to 6:00pm every day of the year). The NASA causeway offers viewing of 5.0 to 5.2 miles from Pad 41 and is a great view across water. As with the other ticketed options, this site is not always available. The Saturn V Center (5.4 miles), another stop on the KSC Visitor Complex tours, is an excellent option as well for Atlas 5 launches, accessed by taking the bus tour at the Visitor Complex with launch day tickets. The Visitor Complex itself is 7.1 miles away, but in the case of Atlas 5 offers no direct line of sight to the pad itself, which is behind the tree line. You'll see it once it lifts off. For off-hours/night launches, when no tickets are being sold by the Visitor Complex and Playalinda Beach is closed, the best option for Atlas 5 launches is Port Canaveral on Route 401, at 11.7 miles from the pad. In that case it is the furthest viewing of any rocket.FALCON 9 LAUNCH VIEWINGFalcon 9 rockets launch from Complex 40 (). The new best spot for Falcon 9 launches is the LC-39 Observation Gantry via tickets through the KSC Visitor Complex, as already described. This is just 3.4 miles away from the launch pad. Similarly, if offered, the NASA causeway offers viewing at just 4.0 miles from the pad. Playalinda (6.3 mile obstructed view) and the Saturn V Center (also 6.3 miles but clear view) are all options. Playalinda is obstructed depending on what spot you are in. If you walk down the beach to get to the 6.3 mile mark, you cannot see the pad. If you stay back by the parking area or along the road to the beach, you have a clearer view but are 7.1-7.3 miles away. The Visitor Complex itself is 6.7 miles from the pad but offers no view of the pad itself (obscured by the tree line as with Atlas 5). Port Canaveral's Route 401 (10.3 miles) is the closest and best spot otherwise, and the place to go for off-hours launches.DELTA 4 LAUNCH VIEWINGDelta 4 rockets launch from Pad 37B (Google Earth/Maps coordinates ). The closest possible viewing now offered for Delta 4 is from the NASA causeway (2.7-3.0 miles away) and the LC-39 Observation Gantry (5.5 miles away), through tickets sold by the . As with the others, tickets will not be offered for all launches, especially if the launch time is outside of normal business hours. The KSC Visitor Complex, another option, (again during business hours only) is a distance of 7.1 miles, and the view, while not as good, is also not terrible. From the grass lawn behind the Atlantis exhibit, in the area closest to the corner of the two main roads, the pad is ever so slightly out of view looking up SR 405, and the rocket visible as soon as it lifts off. In other areas of the Visitor Complex, it will be obstructed. The best and closest free view, and the place to go during other times, is Port Canaveral on Route 401 (8.6 miles clear across water). There is no major advantage in viewing Delta 4 launches from any other location. Equally distant from the Port, the Saturn V Center, another ticketed stop on the bus tours they offer, does offer a clear view and is also just over 8 miles exactly from the pad. So that is also a good possibility if you prefer to combine your viewing with a tour of the space center.=========================================================SECTION 2: MORE DETAILS ON THESE SITES & OTHER LOCATIONSWITH TICKETS: LC-39 OBERVATION GANTRY, SATURN V CENTER, NASA CAUSEWAY & VISITOR COMPLEXFirst, make sure you
so you know when tickets are going on sale.The LC-39 Observation Gantry (), a viewing tower that is one of the stops on the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex bus tour, is the newest viewing location now being offered. And it is the best ever, allowing you to get as close as just 2.3 miles for an Atlas 5 launch or 3.4 miles for a Falcon 9 launch (and 5.5 for Delta 4). This is the closest viewing of any launch ever offered to the public. If you get the chance to buy tickets for the LC-39 gantry, GO FOR IT! The three-level tower offers slight elevation for some, or you may find yourself on the grass in front of it, both with a clear view across the water to any of the launch pads.The NASA Causeway () is an excellent, new viewing option (most famously used for space shuttle launches in the past). It is just 2.7 to 3.0 miles for a Delta 4 launch, 4.0 for Falcon 9 and 5.0 to 5.2 miles for Atlas 5. The view is excellent, too, with nothing but water between you and the launch pad. This is a road that runs across the Banana River for about three miles and is surrounded by water.The Saturn V Center (), a stop on the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (VC) bus tour, offers a clear 5.4 mile view of Atlas Pad 41 and 6.3 mile view of Falcon Pad 40. (At 8.1 miles from Delta 4's Pad 37B, while clear, there is no real advantage over Port Canaveral unless you want to do a tour on the same day as launch.) The Saturn V Center is a beautiful museum housing one of the only three Saturn V moon rockets still left. It was beautifully restored and opened to the public in 1996. This is a sight not to be missed on any visit to KSC, as with the newly-opened Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit at the Visitor Complex.The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex () is the independent museum and tour operator for the Kennedy Space Center. I highly recommend taking at least the main bus tour to see, up close, this incredible and historical place. Other tours to see different facilities up close are also offered, and each includes the main bus tour and Saturn V Center in addition to the Visitor Complex itself & Space Shuttle Atlantis which is now on display there. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (KSC VC) itself () offers viewing (again, when open), but with no truly clear view of the pads themselves. You will only see the rocket once it has launched and cleared the trees and buildings in front of you. Between the three rockets, Delta 4 is a little better than the others from here in terms of the view, but only from one area of the complex as noted: The corner of the lawn behind the new Atlantis museum, which has a view up State Route 405 towards the pad, which is itself just barely hidden. (Television screens, or at least speakers with countdown audio are normally set up for launches at the Visitor Complex.) As noted, other areas of the complex will have the view blocked like the other pads. Distance from the Visitor Complex to Pad 37B is 7.1 to Pad 40 is 6.7 and to Pad 41 is 7.2 miles.FREE VIEWING: PORT CANAVERALRoute 401 () is the best spot for viewing at Port Canaveral. Launch viewers park their cars in the grass on the side of the road beginning a few hours before launch time. The same is done on 528 on the Banana River, where there is more room to spread out and for RVs, though this spot is about another half mile further back. BEGINNING IN LATE 2014, VIEWERS GOING TO ROUTE 401 SHOULD GET THERE EARLY. SPACE IS NOW MORE LIMITED, AND ONCE IT FILLS UP POLICE MAY DIRECT YOU BACK TO RT. 528 WHICH IS SLIGHTLY FARTHER AWAY.In 2013, a new observation tower, known as Exploration Tower, opened at the Port with an outdoor viewing deck on top, providing a slightly higher aerial view of the Cape. This tower can provide a different,
for a launch. The view from the top is
for Delta 4 launches (the pad is blocked by another structure in the Port) and
so for Atlas 5 launches as well. It offers the best line of sight for Falcon 9 launches as seen in the first link. However, the tower is normally open only from 9am to 6pm and accommodates just 75 people maximum on the outdoor deck and some more on the inside area behind glass. Viewing is first-come, first-served, according to officials there. Frequently, however, the tower is rented out for VIP parties and closed to the public.FREE (well, $5) VIEWING: PLAYALINDA BEACHThe closest and best spot for Atlas 5, and also a decent option for Falcon 9, is Playalinda Beach, but only if it is open (6am to 6pm), as detailed above. Playalinda Beach is located to the north of all the launch pads, across the bridge and east down the road leading from north Titusville. Parking at the beach (28.655N, 80.632 W) is located 5.8 miles from Atlas 5 Pad 41 and 7.2 miles from Falcon 9 Pad 40, and you can walk down the beach and get as close as a distance of 4.8 miles (for Atlas 5) and 6.3 miles (for Falcon 9) to be even closer at the KSC security fence. The beach is occasionally but rarely closed for daytime launches as well. (Playalinda Beach is 8.5 to 9.3 miles from Delta 4's Pad 37B, and the view is partially or completely obstructed from here. This is not recommended for Delta 4 launches.) The entrance fee to Playalinda Beach, part of Cape Canaveral National Seashore and managed by the National Park Service, is $5 per car.OTHER FREE PLACES: JETTY PARK & BEACHESOnce the one and only beautiful viewing site for Delta 2 and Atlas 2 & 3 launches, Jetty Park () is no longer a good place to watch any rocket take off from Cape Canaveral. It is equally distant as Port Canaveral (Route 401) is from any of these three launch vehicles, so the same information/distances apply, but it offers no direct view of any of the current three launch pads, all of which are hidden behind a low berm. You could happily view the launches from here or on the beach down the seashore as well, and it is still a beautiful place to watch, but the rocket will not become visible until it has cleared the tower and risen above the launch pad and berm directly across the inlet. If you are a photographer aiming for photos from here, be sure to plot out which way to look on the horizon using a program such as Google Earth. The park has a $5 entrance fee per car as of 2011. As you progress farther south along the beach, some launch pads do become a little more visible on the horizon due to perspective, but then you are getting farther and farther away.TITUSVILLETitusville, anywhere on the Indian River along US 1 or Rt. 406, can be used to view any of these rocket launches as well, but is significantly farther than Port Canaveral is for all three launch pads (minimum 13 miles, maximum 16 miles, to Pad 41, 40 or 37B).=========================================================HOW TO GET THEREDIRECTIONS TO PORT CANAVERALFrom Daytona: Leave no later than two hours before launch (more if you are north of Daytona). Take I-95 south about 55 miles to Exit 205 The Beachline EAST towards &Canaveral: Cape-Port-AFS.& Stay on for about 15 miles.***There are two exits for Port Canaveral, the first is a big BLUE sign and the second is a big GREEN sign, marked exits A and B respectively. Take the first exit, the giant BLUE sign marked TERMINAL A (North Terminals, this is also Rt. 401). A smaller sign notes this is the exit for Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The exit loops around on the right. You will then go over a drawbridge. About 1/4 mile later, the road both curves sharply to the right and passes under an overpass at the same time. Pull off on the left (water) side of the road. Parking is allowed here for launches and will fill up close to launch time, so arrive at least an hour beforehandFrom Orlando: Take Rt. 528 The Beachline EAST towards Cape Canaveral. Follow all the way (stay to the right when the highway forks) to the cruise ship terminals at Port Canaveral. Follow same *** directions as above, looking for the BLUE sign.From South on I-95: Take I-95 north to Exit 205 The Beachline EAST towards &Canaveral: Cape-Port-AFS.& Stay on for about 15 miles. Follow same *** directions as above, looking for the BLUE sign.From Cocoa Beach or South on A1A: Follow A1A north. A1A will slowly curve to the left as you drive through the town of Cape Canaveral, passing a US Post Office and a McDonald's, both on the right. Just as A1A starts becoming a bigger highway (it becomes Rt. 528 the Beachline headed towards Orlando) you will get to the exit for the cruise terminals (the BLUE sign exit as named above). A small sign points to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) as being that exit as well. Exit, go over the drawbridge and following the *** directions as above.DIRECTIONS TO PLAYALINDA BEACHFrom Daytona: Leave no later than two hours before launch (more if you are north of Daytona). Take I-95 south about 40 miles to Exit 220 (Rt. 406). Turn left off the exit ramp.***Follow 406 all the way across the bridge and into Merrit Island NWR. Stay on the road (now Beach Road) all the way to the end. There is a $5.00 entrance fee before you reach the beach. Park and walk out onto the beach. You can walk as much as nearly a mile south before reaching the KSC security fence.From Orlando: Take Rt. 528 The Beachline EAST towards Cape Canaveral. Look for the fork in the highway and take the left fork towards Titusville and Kennedy Space Center. Next, exit on I-95 north, and go to Exit 220 (Rt. 406). Turn right off the exit ramp and follow *** directions as above.From South on I-95: Take I-95 north to Exit 220 (Rt. 406). Turn right off exit ramp and follow same *** directions as above.From Cocoa Beach or South on A1A: Follow A1A north. A1A will slowly curve to the left and become Rt. 528, the Beachline (formerly Beeline). Stay on 528 (you are going west) and then exit onto US 1 north. Proceed through Titusville and look to turn right on Garden Street (Rt. 406). Continue straight to the beach as indicated *** above.DIRECTIONS TO THE KSC VISITOR COMPLEXFrom Daytona: Take I-95 South for about 40 miles to Exit 215 and go left and then turn right at the first light. Now on Route 405, go straight all the way to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (several miles past the Astronaut Hall of Fame). The Visitor Complex is located right before the security entrance to KSC, and cannot be missed.From Orlando: Take the Beachline (Rt. 528) east until the highway forks. Take the left fork (the signs direct you to Titusville and Kennedy Space Center). You are now on Rt. 407, the Challenger Memorial Parkway. When the road ends after several miles, turn right. You are now on Rt. 405, also called Columbia Blvd. Follow as above.From South on I-95: Exit 212 north on Route 407 and follow as above, turning right onto 405 at the end of 407.From Cocoa Beach or South on A1A: Follow A1A north. A1A will slowly curve to the left and become Rt. 528, the Beachline (formerly Beeline). Stay on 528 (you are going west) and then exit SR-3 north (Courtney Parkway). Proceed north six miles to the final light before the security gate, Space Commerce Way. You must turn left here. At the end of this windy road, turn right. Entrance is on the right, and cannot be missed.=========================REFERENCE PHOTOS & VIDEOSAlso see within guide above with links to view from Exploration Tower in Port Canaveral.PHOTOS OF DELTA 4 LAUNCHES FROM LC-39 OBSERVATION GANTRYPHOTOS OF FALCON 9 LAUNCHES FROM LC-39 OBSERVATION GANTRYPHOTOS OF ATLAS 5 LAUNCHES FROM LC-39 OBSERVATION GANTRY - credit Erion CukoPHOTOS OF ATLAS 5 LAUNCHES FROM PLAYALINDA BEACHPHOTOS OF FALCON 9 LAUNCHES FROM PLAYALINDA BEACH - credit Erion Cuko (note it comes up from behind pad 39A's tower from here) - credit Erion Cuko (from here, it comes up behind pad 39B)PHOTOS OF DELTA 4 LAUNCHES FROM NASA CAUSEWAYPHOTOS OF ATLAS 5 LAUNCHES FROM NASA CAUSEWAYPHOTOS OF FALCON 9 LAUNCHES FROM NASA CAUSEWAYPHOTOS OF ATLAS 5 LAUNCHES FROM SATURN V CENTERPHOTOS OF DELTA 4 LAUNCHES FROM PORT CANAVERALThe photo at the top of this page of a Delta 4 was taken with a zoom lensPHOTOS OF ATLAS 5 LAUNCHES FROM PORT CANAVERALPHOTOS OF FALCON 9 LAUNCHES FROM PORT CANAVERAL=========================VIDEOS OF FALCON 9 FROM LC-39 OBSERVATION GANTRYVIDEOS OF DELTA 4 LAUNCHES FROM VISITOR COMPLEXTaken from Atlantis museum's lawn looking up SR 405. Pad is just barely hidden.VIDEOS OF ATLAS 5 LAUNCHES FROM PLAYALINDA BEACHVIDEOS OF ATLAS 5 LAUNCHES FROM SATURN V CENTERVIDEOS OF ATLAS 5 LAUNCHES FROM PORT CANAVERALVIDEOS OF FALCON 9 LAUNCHES FROM PORT CANAVERALVIDEOS OF DELTA 4 LAUNCHES FROM PORT CANAVERAL