SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launch visible from Tallahassee? It's possible
The first-ever test of the 'green' fuel is set to launch on SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket on June 24th. It's a partnership between NASA, Ball Aerospace, Aerojet Rocketdyne and the Air Force Research Laboratory. Buzz60, Buzz60
Falcon Heavy, we ... are ... ready ... for ... you.
Millions around the world watched Feb. 6, 2018, as 27 Merlin engines roared to life at Kennedy Space Center, lifting SpaceX's Falcon Heavy rocket into the evening sky.
Get ready for the triple sonic boom that will reverberate throughout the Space Coast as the world's most powerful rocket in existence takes flight later Monday, June 24.
SpaceX is scheduled to launch its Falcon Heavy rocket no earlier than 11:30 p.m. from KSpad 39A.
• Teams are looking at a four-hour launch window: 11:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.
• Weather forecast is 70% "go."
• In the event of a delay or scrub, the next possible launch opportunity will be Tuesday with weather conditions dropping to 60% "go".
It's Launch Day: Things to know about Falcon Heavy launch from Kennedy Space Center
How to watch the launch: Falcon Heavy night launch will be a beaut
• After launch, the rocket's two side boosters will target an automatic landing approximately eight minutes after liftoff at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, generating sonic booms. The center core booster will meanwhile land on the Of Course I Still Love You drone ship stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
• Only flown twice before, this will be Falcon Heavy's first night launch.
In 2018, more than 100,000 visitors witnessed the historic demo flight of the most powerful rocket in the world.
Where can you see the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launch? Obviously the Space Coast, but that bright orange-yellow dot in the sky can be seen from Volusia and Indian River counties and possibly the capital city, too. Here's a roundup of where to go.
If the clouds cooperate, it’s conceivable that the launch could be visible as far away as Tallahassee. When the Falcon 9 launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Southern California in October 2018, it was viewed by skywatchers from hundreds of miles away.
Reporter Emre Kelly, who covers launches for FLORIDA TODAY, said while capital city residents might be able to see the launch if they get lucky, even a little bit of cloud cover can obscure the action.
A National Weather Service forecaster in Tallahassee said to expect minimal clouds throughout the day. But it’s possible that evening storm clouds could threaten any shot at seeing the launch.
Ken Kopczynski, president of the Tallahassee Astronomical Society who writes columns for the Tallahassee Democrat as the “Sky Guy,” said for best viewing find a spot with a clear view to the east/southeast with no clouds.
He suggested the Alford Greenway or the Cypress Landing Boat Launch overlooking Lake Miccosukee. The Costco parking lot on Mahan Drive may also offer a decent view of the horizon.
On the Space Coast
Pretty much anywhere in Brevard, you'll get a view of the rocket launch.
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 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: $15 for cars, $20 for RVs, $25 for buses.
• Playalinda Beach, 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Note, there's a charge to park, $10 per vehicle, and access to Canaveral National Seashore will be granted until capacity is reached or until 5:30 p.m., whichever comes first.
• Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Note, parking is available on both sides of Max Brewer Bridge, with paved space for 46 vehicles and unpaved parking for an additional 100 vehicles.
• Space View Park, 8 Broad St., Titusville
• Sand Point Park, 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville
• Rotary Riverfront Park, 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville
• Alan Shepard Park, 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Note, it costs $15 per vehicle to park and no buses allowed.
• Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. Parking fee varies.
• Lori Wilson Park, 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach
• Sidney Fischer Park, 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Note, it costs $15 per vehicle to park and no buses allowed.
In Indian River County
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. The best views here are along the beach, too. Look north.
Some hotspots to check out:
• House of Refuge and beach, 301 S.E. MacArthur Blvd., Stuart (If you stop by the house, it's $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and $6 for children.)
• Wabasso Beach Park, 1808 Wabasso Beach Road, Wabasso (Free parking)
• State Road A1A causeway in Stuart
• Fort Pierce Inlet, 905 Shorewinds Drive
• Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach ($8 per vehicle; limit eight people per vehicle)
• Ambersands Beach Park, 12566 N. S.R. 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
In Volusia County
The best views here are along the beach. Look due south.
Readers have 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), parking costs $10
• Bethune Beach, 6656 S. Atlantic Ave.
• Apollo Beach at New Smyrna Beach
To see the landing
Really, only Brevard gets to see this (or online if you're watching digitally and following along with our FLORIDA TODAY Space Team!). The best viewing locations to see the landing are from Port Canaveral and on the beach.
Last, but not least
Wherever you go to see the Falcon Heavy rocket launch, get there early. Traffic can be hectic on launch days. Arrive at your destination as early as possible and expect long lines at gates and in parking areas. In some cases, be prepared to pay — in cash — for parking.
Also, bring the right supplies. You could spend a couple hours in the Florida sun waiting for the launch. Be sure to pack bottled water and sunscreen. Don't forget about portable chargers for your phones, too.
Where to watch digitally
Check back with FLORIDA TODAY's Space Team — Kelly, Rachael Joy and Antonia Jaramillo — and visit floridatoday.com/space for countdown updates and chat starting at 9:30 p.m. Monday. It will feature in-depth coverage, photos, charts and more. Ask the space team questions and strike up a conversation. We will also be hosting SpaceX's live webcast of the launch. Our space chat is mobile- and desktop-friendly.
Contributing: News 6, news partner of FLORIDA TODAY
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