NASA, SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral for PACE mission: Best places to view in Brevard
Editor’s note: The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch was scrubbed again. Gusty winds triggered a second straight stand-down of NASA’s PACE launch attempt. SpaceX and NASA are now targeting 1:33 a.m. EST Thursday, Feb. 8.
Original story posted afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 6:
A rocket launch is scheduled overnight — NASA's PACE spacecraft.
As of Tuesday, Feb. 6, SpaceX and NASA are targeting 1:33 a.m. EST Wednesday to launch PACE atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
High winds at the Falcon 9 first-stage booster landing zone forced postponement of the original launch attempt, which was scheduled for early Tuesday. The Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron only pins the odds of "go for launch" weather at 50-50 for this upcoming second attempt, citing liftoff winds and cumulus clouds.
SpaceX reported the first-stage booster will target landing 7 minutes, 32 seconds later back at the Space Force base — triggering late-night sonic booms in Brevard County.
If you want to watch live rocket launch coverage, FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team will provide updates at floridatoday.com/space, starting about 90 minutes before liftoff.
Where can I see a rocket launch in Brevard County, Florida?
Pretty much anywhere in Brevard, you'll get a view of the rocket launch. The best views 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 further 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:
• Jetty Park Beach and Pier, 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral. Note, there's a charge to park.
• Playalinda Beach, 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Note, there's a charge to park, and access to Canaveral National Seashore isn't always granted depending on capacity and time of day.
• Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Note, parking is available on both sides of Max Brewer Bridge.
• Space View Park, 8 Broad St., Titusville
• Sand Point Park, 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville
• Rotary Riverfront Park, 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville
Where to watch from Volusia: Overnight SpaceX launch set for NASA Earth science probe
• Alan Shepard Park, 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs.
• Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. Parking fee varies.
• Lori Wilson Park, 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Lori Wilson Park has a dog park, by the way.
• Sidney Fischer Park, 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs.
• Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter)
• Ambersands Beach Park, 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (free parking)
• South Beach Park, 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (free parking)
• Alma Lee Loy Bridge in Vero Beach
• Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach
Where to watch from Indian River County: SpaceX rocket launch could be seen from neighboring Treasure Coast
Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY (for more of his stories, click here.) Contact Neale at 321-242-3638 or rneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: NASA, SpaceX, PACE in Florida: Where to watch Earth-science launch
