*** NOTE for those finding their way to this post via Internet search: As of 12 April 2019, there are strong indications that Route 401 may not be open for future launch viewing, on the request of Brevard County officials. Pay close attention to official sources of information for further updates, and plan to use an alternate viewing location for launches after this time. Until/unless the situation changes, the information below should be considered obsolete, and is presented for archival purposes only.
So we have a bunch of late-night/early-morning launches coming up, and people asking me for viewing recommendations… Truth be told, I don’t have much to tell you at this point. Exploration Tower was open for the 5 am CRS-15 launch, somewhat unexpectedly, but I have no idea about future launches. So what is a Launch Rat to do, you might ask?
Well. Lemme tell you about State Route 401.
SR-401 in Port Canaveral is well-known among locals for being one of the best (if not THE best) launch viewing location available. There are two spots on this road that are clear enough to allow good line-of-sight for launches: the western curve, which offers a better perspective on SpaceX landings, and the viewing stands on the eastern end, next to the CCAFS gates (sometimes reserved for VIPs on more notable launches, but generally available). KSCVC premium viewing is the best launch view when available, Playalinda is pretty awesome when open, the Cocoa Beach boardwalk and U.S. 1 in Titusville are good standby options, and some of our folks swear by the 528/A1A pull-off… but the general rule of thumb, I would say, has to be: If you don’t know where to go to watch a launch (or if you want the best view of a SpaceX RTLS landing) head for SR-401 in Port Canaveral.
Some caveats:
- There are no amenities there, so bring water and maybe snacks and don’t expect access to a bathroom.
- If you’re using cabs or Uber to get there, make sure you have plenty of charge on your cellphone, and possibly a spare battery, as there are no public phones that I’m aware of.
- The area is largely unpaved and grassy, and not hugely friendly to wheels, so if you are mobility-impaired in any way, allow extra time and energy to get from your car to where you’ll want to be. (It is doable in a wheelchair or mobility scooter, just… somewhat tricky.)
- If you’re heading there after dark, a small flashlight is useful to light the ground in front of your feet or wheels.
- You’ll be by the water, so bring insect repellent: Florida ‘skeeters are fierce.
- Most importantly, this is a well-known and much-loved spot for locals and Launch Rats, so make sure you get there early to acquire parking and find your viewing spot.
- As of this writing, there are no fees charged for parking in any of the spots I’m familiar with, so that’s a plus.
And what, you may ask, are the views from 401 like? Well, here’s my un-zoomed cellphone video from CRS-15 (near the viewing stands, at water’s edge). Enjoy.
Have more questions? Drop me a line at wayward@launchrats.com and I’ll answer them as best I can!