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Best places to watch on Tuesday

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Best places to watch on Tuesday

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A SpaceX rocket launch scheduled for tonight, Monday, October 21, has been postponed—and depending on weather and visibility, the Space Coast could see the show in the skies on Tuesday, October 22, instead.

Florida Today reported Monday evening that SpaceX had not given a reason for delaying the launch to Monday.

According to Florida Today’s space team, this launch is worth keeping an eye on as it will be the 72nd launch in 2024. In 2023, SpaceX helped break the record by contributing to 72 launches that were completed near Cape Canaveral. And with just over two months left in the year, it looks like the record is close to being broken again.

Below are tips on where to watch a rocket launch from this location, as well as other things to know. If there are changes to the launch schedule, this story will be updated.

If you have questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY space reporter Rick Neale at [email protected]. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space.

Are you seeing a launch from Melbourne Beach?

Weather and cloud permitting, the SpaceX rocket launch will be visible from virtually anywhere in Brevard County. And a few minutes after takeoff, a roar is usually heard.

When the launch window is in the middle of the night or very early in the morning, there are unique photo opportunities – the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail in its wake makes for a great photo.

Will there be a rocket launch today? Upcoming schedule of SpaceX, NASA and ULA rocket launches from Florida

Will there be a rocket launch from Florida tonight? The next one won’t be until Tuesday, October 22: SpaceX Starlink 6-61.

  • Mission: Navigation alerts indicate SpaceX is set to launch another payload of Starlink broadband satellites into low Earth orbit on Tuesday evening.
  • Launch window: 6:14 pm – 11:45 pm ET
  • Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
  • Sonic booms: No.
  • Trajectory: Southeast.
  • The live broadcast will begin 90 minutes before the start at floridatoday.com/space: You can watch live coverage of the rocket launch from the USA TODAY Network’s space team, which includes FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neal and Brooke Edwards, and visual journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt. Our space team will provide the latest updates in a mobile-friendly live blog with a countdown clock at floridatoday.com/space, starting 90 minutes before liftoff. You can download the free FLORIDA TODAY app, available in the App Store or Google Play, or type floridatoday.com/space into your browser.

Space Coast Weather Radar: Will it rain in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, Florida today?

The image shows National Weather Service Melbourne radar showing real-time conditions along the Space Coast and other parts of Florida. The current date and time are displayed in the lower right corner of the radar insert; otherwise you may need to clear your cache.

Almost anywhere in Brevard you’ll see a rocket launch, and in some places you’ll get stunning views of SpaceX rocket boosters returning to the pads. The best view for watching a rocket launch from the Space Coast is along the beach. However, visibility will be affected by weather conditions and people should ensure they do not block traffic or rights of way on bridges and follow posted rules on beaches.

If you’re watching the launch along the Indian River in Titusville from Space View Park or Parrish Park, look east just across the river.

If you’re further south along the Indian River, look northeast.

Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore is the closest place to watch takeoff, as it is almost parallel to Launch Pad 39A. At the beach, look south along the shoreline (you can even see the landing in some places).

Some hot spots worth visiting:

  • Jetty Park Beach and Pier400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral. Please note: parking is paid.
  • Playalinda Beach1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Please note that parking fees apply and access to Canaveral National Seashore is not always available depending on capacity and time of day.
  • Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Boulevard, Titusville. Please note: Parking is available on both sides of the Max Brewer Bridge.
  • Space View Park8 Broad St., Titusville
  • Sand Point Park10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville
  • Rotary Riverfront Park4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville
  • Waterfront Park in Cocoa Village401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa (just before State Road 520 Causeway)
  • Cocoa Villagenear parks and shops or near docks
  • Various parks on Merritt Island
  • Rotary Park1899 S. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island
  • Kiwanis Park on Kiwanis Island Park Road on Merritt Island
  • Port Canaveralwith Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean ships in port
  • Alan Shepard Park299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Please note that parking fees may apply.
  • Cocoa Beach Pier401 Meade Ave. Parking fees vary.
  • Laurie Wilson Park1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. By the way, there is a dog park in Laurie Wilson Park.
  • Sydney Fisher Park2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Please note that parking fees may apply.
  • Downtown Cocoa Beachalong the Minuteman Road
  • Beach tables197 SR A1A, Satellite Beach
  • Tides on SR A1A at Satellite Beach
  • Various parks, including Pelican Beach Club, on Satellite Beach.
  • Pineda road
  • Eau Gallie Road
  • Front Street Park near Melbourne (US 192), causeway and US 1 in Melbourne
  • Indialantic Boardwalk at Melbourne Road and SR A1A
  • Paradise Beach Parkaka Howard Futch Park, 2301 SR A1A, Melbourne (this is a beach park)
  • Sebastian Inlet Park9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (admission fee)
  • Ambersands Beach Park12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (free parking)
  • South Beach Park1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (free parking)
  • Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach
  • Alma Lee Loy Bridge in Vero Beach

(This story has been updated to include new information.)