SpaceX is targeting two more rocket launches before the end of the year, potentially pushing Florida's annual launch record to 93. These missions include the delayed Astranis satellite deployment and a Starlink internet satellite launch.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warnings indicate possible launch windows for the Astranis mission on Sunday, December 29, and for the Starlink 12-6 mission on Monday, December 30. Residents along the Treasure Coast may have the opportunity to view these launches.
The potential back-to-back launches, scheduled just before New Year's Eve, are set to take off from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. Weather conditions and visibility will determine how clearly the launches will be seen from areas like Sebastian Inlet and Vero Beach.
Florida has already surpassed its previous record for orbital rocket launches this year, with SpaceX conducting the majority of these missions. In 2023, SpaceX was also a major contributor to the 72 launches from Florida's Space Coast. As of December 27, over 90 orbital launches have taken place in the region in 2024.
These upcoming launches present unique viewing opportunities, particularly night launches, which can produce striking visuals as the rocket ascends into the dark sky. The contrails that follow create great photo opportunities as well.
The first launch is scheduled for early Sunday morning, December 29, with the Astranis mission scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40 between midnight and 3:02 a.m. The trajectory for this launch is due east, with first-stage boosters landing on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean to minimize any sonic booms.
The second launch, the Starlink 12-6 mission, is planned for Monday, December 30 from Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A, with a launch window between midnight and 3:59 a.m. This mission will also see the first-stage boosters land on a drone ship in the Atlantic, therefore not creating a sonic boom.
Live coverage for both launches will begin 90 minutes before liftoff on floridatoday.com/space, including live blogs and countdown clocks, provided by the USA TODAY Network’s Space Team. The FLORIDA TODAY app provides another source to get information about the launches.
For optimal viewing of the rocket launches, residents of the Treasure Coast can head to beaches or spots along the water. These areas are ideal to see a rocket launch from neighboring Brevard County, otherwise known as the Space Coast.
Several specific locations, including Sebastian Inlet Park, Wabasso Beach Park, and various beaches in Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Jensen Beach, and Stuart, provide ample viewing opportunities, as long as weather conditions are favorable.
Past launches from the Space Coast have been seen from various Treasure Coast locations, with photos captured from spots throughout the region as evidence.
This story will be updated if there are any changes to the launch schedule.
