Rocket Launch Viewing

Atlas V Rocket roars from Launch Pad 41

NPS Photo

Visitors may view launches that are scheduled during park operating hours. During the summer, the launch must occur within the hours 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM. In the winter the launch must occur within the hours of 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM. It is recommended to be in the park a few hours early if possible.

The Playalinda District of the park offers the closest view of the launches. We cannot predict when the park will fill to capacity at which point we will restrict flow into the park for a period of time, for safety purposes. NASA has the authority to close parts of the park for Space Center Operations without notice.

Important information about rocket launch viewing at Canaveral National Seashore:
During rocket launches at the adjacent Kennedy Space Center or within Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, park vistas will be closed within the Playalinda District. Additionally, the beach area at parking lot #1 (Playalinda District) will be closed a quarter (1/4) mile south to the Kennedy Space Center boundary. Parking will only be allowed within beach parking lots. NASA may set up road-blocks and/or close the NASA owned portions of the park at any time for the needs of the space program.

During rocket launches, the Playalinda Beach Road will close between the entry gate and parking lot #1 one half hour (30 minutes) prior to the launch to vehicle, foot, and bicycle traffic to keep roadways clear in the event of an emergency. Playalinda Beach Road will reopen immediately following a successful launch or confirmed cancellation of the launch.

Items to bring with you for your comfort:

1. Food

2. Water

3. Sunscreen

4. Beach chairs

5. Fill your gas tank

6. No showers available, except at Apollo Beach parking area 1. Bring water to rinse off.
7. Bring a hat

 

 

Open Transcript 

Transcript

Wind blowing and the rocket launch rumble.

Duration:

2 minutes, 1 second

The launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying a batch of Starlink 4-16 internet satellites. The first stage booster landed on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean. The launch occurred from launch pad 40 located at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 5:27 pm on April 29, 2022.