As per the latest news, ULA is currently scheduled to launch NROL-101 on its Atlas V rocket from SLC-41 on Wednesday, November 4, 2020, at 5:54 pm local time.
Based on the visibility map posted by ULA to Twitter for the previous launch date, the northeasterly trajectory of this launch suggests strongly that Playalinda Beach is the place to be for this launch. As for why this is so: see my previous post about watching Starlink launches from Playalinda…
Currently, Playalinda Beach hours are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and according to the launch viewing statement on their website, they plan to remain open for launches within those operating hours, subject to parking capacity and NASA requirements. That last part is important, because it means that NASA could deem it advisable to close the beach at any point, and so any time your launch viewing plans center on Playalinda, it is vital to have a backup plan in effect (U.S. 1 in Titusville is usually a safe bet). In addition to closing the road to the beach to incoming traffic once parking capacity has been reached (and parking is VERY limited), it’s generally safe to assume that the road will be closed regardless at T-3 hours – even though sometimes they don’t close it until T-90 minutes… or at all.
Other info: Playalinda Beach is ~12 miles east of Titusville, across the Max Brewer Bridge. Gates open at 6 a.m. daily at this time of year. There is a parking fee of $20 for 7 days of beach access (or free with a National Parks pass). Site is primitive, with no amenities and only pit toilets at the beach parking lots; BE SURE to bring bug spray, sunscreen, and twice as much water as you think you’ll need.
For updates on launch status or scheduling, follow @ulalaunch and @torybruno on Twitter.
Enjoy!