Category: News & Updates

Launch news and updates from the Space Coast.

Playalinda Beach access for SpaceX GPS-III launch on 18 Dec 2018

posted on 17th December, 2018 1:55 pm by

Launch Rats hoping to view tomorrow’s launch from Playalinda will want to note the following (as per traffic advisory from Kennedy Space Center):

– The A. Max Brewer Causeway bridge on S.R. 406 in Titusville (north bridge) east to Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore will be restricted to all motor vehicle traffic. The Playalinda Beach park will be open until capacity is reached or 7:30 a.m., whichever comes first. If you are planning on visiting Playalinda Beach, please inform the uniformed officers at the checkpoint.

– State Road 3 North at US1 in Volusia County, south to Playalinda Beach will be open to all motor vehicle traffic until capacity is reached, or at 7:30 a.m., whichever comes first.

Also note that launch viewing from Kennedy Space Center, both LC-39 Gantry and Apollo/Saturn V Center, is SOLD OUT. Viewing from the main visitor center complex is not recommended as the launch is not visible until the rocket clears the treeline. We recommend Playalinda Beach, SR-401 and the viewing location at SR-528/A1A as alternatives. US-1 in Titusville remains a good backup locaation for launch viewing.

Good luck! May your launch viewing journey be nominal.

LC-39 Gantry Tickets SOLD OUT for CRS-16

posted on 27th November, 2018 11:14 am by

Tickets are now available SOLD OUT for the LC-39 Observation Gantry for the CRS-16 launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 carrying supplies to the ISS on December 4th, 2018.

These tickets are were $49 per person, and could be obtained via the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website. Alternate viewing sites include the Apollo/Saturn V Center within Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (included with admission) and Route 401 in Port Canaveral (preferred for landing view).

Upcoming Space Coast Launches as of 31 Oct 2018

posted on 31st October, 2018 3:08 pm by

Currently, these are the known, scheduled upcoming launches that can be viewed from the Space Coast:

Wed, Nov 14th Thu, Nov 15th, 3:46 pm – 5:27 pm EST launch window: SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying the Es’hail 2 comm satellite to geostationary orbit.

Tue, Dec 4th, 1:38 pm EST: SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying CRS-16 to the ISS in low earth orbit.

Sat, Dec 15th, 9:08 am EST: SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying GPS3-01 (USAF) satellite.

Our reference sources include the launch schedule at Spaceflight Now, and official sources on Twitter. Stay tuned for further updates!

New ‘Experience’: Fifty-Two, by Wayward Plane

posted on 3rd October, 2018 10:03 pm by

So you might wonder: what is it like, to be a Launch Rat living on the Space Coast?

Well, you see… it’s like this.

Fifty-Two: A Wayward Birthday chronicles ten days in the life of a Launch Rat, beginning with her birthday and proceeding through two rocket launches, the return of the barge bearing the first-stage booster from the former launch, the NASA Social revolving around the Parker Solar Probe and the latter launch, and meeting friends both old and new… including some notable figures from the launch industry. It’s also a first-hand account of the world we live in, in all its splendor and accompanying exhaustion.

You can read it here.

 

Next: SpaceX Telstar 18 VANTAGE, 8th Sept 2018 11:28 pm EDT

posted on 4th September, 2018 9:55 pm by

The next launch to take place from the Space Coast will be the Telstar 18 VANTAGE communications satellite for Telesat, which will provide communications services for parts of India, China, Mongolia, SE Asia and the Pacific Ocean. This satellite will be launching on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Space Launch Complex 40. The window for the launch opens at 11:28 PM EDT (local) time on 8 September 2018, and closes at 3:28 am on 9 September.

For those planning to view the launch in person, the best available viewing spots at this time of night will probably be on SR-401 in Port Canaveral: either the western curve or the eastern viewing stands. As always, you should plan to get there at least an hour prior to launch; remember to bring water to drink, snacks (if desired) and insect repellent, as you will be right on the edge of the water and Florida skeeters will find you to be a tasty snack.

For those unable to watch in person, tune in to SpaceX’s YouTube channel for the live webcast.

May your journeys be nominal and your missions successful!

*** 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.

Parker Solar Probe: Just Plane Advice

posted on 8th August, 2018 4:47 pm by

Howdy. This is your Wayward Plane speaking.

I’m getting A LOT of last-minute inquiries about the Parker Solar Probe launch, and since I expect to be largely unavailable to answer inquiries over the next two days (I’m attending the NASA Social!) here’s the most recent information of which I’m aware:

Parker Solar Probe will be launching on a ULA Delta IV Heavy from SLC-37B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Launch window opens on Saturday, August 11, 2018 3:33 AM EDT (local time) and will remain open for 65 minutes. Weather reports say that we are currently 70% go for launch. If the launch fails to happen at that time, the backup dates are Sunday, August 12 at 3:31 AM, and Monday, August 13 at 3:29 AM.

My best advice for launch viewing is the SR-401 Viewing Stands in Port Canaveral. Drive east on SR-401 toward the CCAFS gates; before you reach the gates, you will encounter uniformed officers who will direct you to parking. Plan on arriving at least a couple of hours early. Exploration Tower VIP Launch Viewing is also on sale is now SOLD OUT. SR-401 should provide you with an excellent view of the launch.

If you can’t make it to either of these places, any location in or around the Space Coast with a clear-ish view toward Cape Canaveral Air Force Station should allow you to view the launch as it ascends. Stay safe, obey any & all local law enforcement, and enjoy the show!

May your journey be nominal and your mission successful,

Wayward

*** 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.

(Thanks to @AmericaSpace for the launch window info!)