March 26, 2026, 6:05 a.m. ET
- A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is slated for launch from Florida on Friday, March 27.
- The rocket will transport a consignment of Starlink internet satellites into low-Earth orbit.
- Numerous parks and coastal areas in Brevard County provide prime public viewing opportunities.
Get ready for a quintessential Florida event: a rocket is set to lift off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, later this week.
SpaceX intends to launch a Falcon 9 rocket, carrying a shipment of Starlink internet satellites, into low-Earth orbit this Friday, March 27.
In this region, rockets typically originate from either NASA’s Kennedy Space Center near Merritt Island, Florida, or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, offering residents in and around Brevard County the best chances to witness this celestial occurrence.
Given favorable weather conditions, minimal cloud cover, and the right flight path, a rocket launch from Florida’s Space Coast can sometimes be observed as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach.
When a launch occurs at night or in the very early morning, it presents a unique opportunity for photography — the rocket illuminates the dark sky, and its lingering contrail makes for a spectacular shot.
Find more details below regarding Florida’s upcoming rocket launch and suggestions on where to view it in person (or remotely through the USA TODAY Network’s Space Team).
For questions or comments, please reach out to USA TODAY Network Space Reporters Rick Neale at [email protected], Brooke Edwards at [email protected], or Eric Lagatta at [email protected]. For additional space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space.
Florida Rocket Launch Status: Next Up – SpaceX Starlink 10-44 on Friday, March 27
- Mission: Twenty-nine Starlink satellites will be deployed into low-Earth orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
- Launch Window: Friday, March 27, from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET.
- Trajectory: To the northeast.
- Location: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Launch Complex 40.
- Sonic Booms: None expected.
- Live Coverage Begins 90 Minutes Prior to Liftoff at floridatoday.com/space: Tune into the USA TODAY Network’s Space Team for live rocket launch coverage, featuring FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards, along with visuals journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark, and Tim Shortt. Our dedicated Space Team will deliver real-time updates via a mobile-optimized live blog, complete with a countdown, at floridatoday.com/space, commencing 90 minutes before launch. Access this by downloading the free FLORIDA TODAY app from the App Store or Google Play, or by visiting floridatoday.com/space directly in your web browser.
Prime Viewing Spots for SpaceX Rocket Launches Across Melbourne, Rockledge, Cocoa Beach, and Merritt Island, Florida
In Brevard County, you’ll generally find a vantage point for the rocket launch; some locations even offer an incredible perspective of SpaceX rocket boosters returning to their landing pads. The most ideal viewing spots along the Space Coast are typically found at the beaches. Nevertheless, sightlines are subject to weather conditions, and it’s crucial for viewers to avoid obstructing traffic or bridge rights-of-way, and to adhere to all beach regulations.
For those watching the launch from Space View Park or Parrish Park along the Indian River in Titusville, direct your gaze eastward, across the river.
Should you be located further south along the Indian River, cast your eyes to the northeast.
Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore provides the nearest vantage point for liftoff, being almost directly parallel to Launch Pad 39A. When on the beach, look south along the shore; the pad itself is even visible from certain areas.
Consider these popular viewing locations:
- Jetty Park Beach and Pier, located at 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral. Please be aware that parking fees apply.
- Playalinda Beach, 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, within Canaveral National Seashore. Parking fees are applicable, and entry to Canaveral National Seashore may be restricted based on capacity and time.
- Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, found at 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Parking can be found on either side of the 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
- Riverfront Park at Cocoa Village, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa (situated just prior to the State Road 520 Causeway)
- Cocoa Village, explore areas near its parks, shops, or docks.
- Numerous parks located on Merritt Island
- Rotary Park, 1899 S. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island
- Kiwanis Park, situated on Kiwanis Island Park Road, Merritt Island
- Port Canaveral, offering views alongside ships from Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean.
- Alan Shepard Park, 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Be advised that parking fees may apply.
- Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. Parking costs are variable.
- Lori Wilson Park, 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. This park notably includes a dog park.
- Sidney Fischer Park, 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Parking fees might be incurred.
- Downtown Cocoa Beach, accessible along Minutemen Causeway
- Tables Beach, 197 SR A1A, Satellite Beach
- The Tides, located on SR A1A in Satellite Beach
- A variety of parks in Satellite Beach, such as the Pelican Beach Clubhouse.
- Pineda Causeway
- Eau Gallie Causeway
- Front Street Park, situated near the Melbourne (U.S. 192) Causeway and U.S. 1 in Melbourne.
- Indialantic boardwalk, at the intersection of Melbourne Causeway and SR A1A
- Paradise Beach Park, also known as Howard Futch Park, 2301 SR A1A, Melbourne (a park directly on the beach).
- Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (entry requires a fee).
Stream NASA Rocket Launches via Prime Video
Access NASA+ Content through Amazon Prime Video
NASA’s programming, which includes selected rocket launches, can be viewed via NASA+ on desktop, accessible both on its official website and YouTube. Additionally, the service can be downloaded as a dedicated mobile application for smartphones.
Furthermore, all NASA+ content is accessible to individuals with Prime Video installed on their devices, including smartphones and smart TVs.
This content, viewable without a Prime subscription, is among Prime Video’s FAST channels (free ad-supported television). To locate it, users can navigate to the “Live TV” section at the top of the screen upon opening the Prime Video app.
Lianna Norman and Jennifer Sangalang serve as trending reporters for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, specializing in pop culture, rocket launches, Florida wildlife, breaking news, and various other topics. To receive Florida’s premier content directly in your inbox every weekday, subscribe to the complimentary Florida TODAY newsletter at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.