Overnight SpaceX launch for NASA Earth science probe. Where to watch it from Volusia
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 the afternoon of Tuesday, Feb. 6:
A rocket launch is scheduled overnight — NASA's PACE spacecraft.
As of 11 a.m. 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 neighboring Brevard County.
If you want to watch live rocket launch coverage from the USA TODAY Network, 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 Volusia County?
The best views to watch a rocket launch from neighboring Brevard County, aka the Space Coast, is here along the beach. Look due south. Readers have also mentioned seeing a rocket launch from Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach. Here are some recommended spots:
• south side of New Smyrna Beach (Canaveral National Seashore), there may be parking costs
• Bethune Beach, 6656 S. Atlantic Ave.
• Apollo Beach at Canaveral National Seashore (south of New Smyrna Beach)
• Oak Hill riverfront, Sites include Sunrise Park, 275 River Road; Goodrich's Seafood and Oyster House back deck, 253 River Road; Seminole Rest national historic site, 211 River Road; and Riverbreeze Park, 250 H.H. Burch Road.
Where to watch from Treasure Coast: Overnight SpaceX launch set for NASA Earth science probe
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 rocket launch February 2024 in Florida: Info on PACE, SpaceX Falcon 9
