The lights were on as SpaceX began work on preparing Launch Complex 39-A ready for its next crewed mission. Axiom-1 is a private mission to ISS-NL and is set to launch NET April 6, 2022.
On the left, a crane rises over the construction site SpaceX has opened to build a launch pad for Starship, its super-heavy booster currently under development.
Seen April 1, 2022.
The sun sets on Artemis1 and the first night of its Wet Dress Rehearsal begins.
All was quiet at that moment, and it was incredible to watch SLS start to glow brighter and brighter as the darkness fell behind her.
The day was a stormy one, starting with a tornado warning around 830-9am in Cocoa Beach, which is not far at all from Kennedy Space Center and Pad LC-39B. I was not terribly worried, however, because tornadoes almost always track northeast and that meant it would be offshore before it go to the launch pad. Fortunately, the warning was much ado about not very much and there was no damage to speak of at the beaches.
In between storms (it rained again that afternoon and that night as well) SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 carrying Transporter 4 at 12:24:17 local time, and later, after an afternoon of steely-grey skies and more rain, the clouds parted a little bit to put some color in the gloaming as the sun set.
Artemis herself seemed to grow brighter and brighter as the sky turned to black. Much brighter and taller than the Cape Canaveral Lighthouse, the rocket shone like a beacon into the night. It’s clearly visible from all over the Titusville-Cocoa area, especially on bridges or on roads that give a view up the rivers.
Saturn V’s were the same, brightly lit and easy to see from nearly everywhere around town. It was not only a working spacecraft, but also a symbol that never failed to catch the eye. And given that a lot of NASA workers and their associated contractors contributing to the project live here, Artemis is now what the brightly lit Apollo vehicles were: a reminder of what the mission was.
I get asked this question all this time: what’s the best place for a visitor to the Space Coast to go see a SpaceX crewed launch to the International Space Station?
The Best of the Best Views
The best answer is to plan ahead and buy tickets from the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Center, because they will have the closest views on offer: The Apollo / Saturn V Center (see below). They do cost a good bit of money, however: the closest view of the April 4th, 2022 Axiom 1 private mission to ISS is $250 for a ~4.0 mile view.
That’s a lot of money, but if you’re only going to come here once, trust me, it is worth it. You will definitely hear the roar and see the best view of the launch, so think about whether it fits into your budget.
If $250 is beyond what you want to spend, the Visitors Center has cheaper tickets where you view from the Visitors Center grounds itself. It’s 7.5 miles to the launch pad, but you won’t see the rocket until it clears the trees. It’s still really close and you’ll hear the roar and see a lot, so it may be an alternative for you.
Star Fleet Tours
Star Fleet is a commercial tour operator out of the Cape Canaveral Port, and they are without a doubt the best one in town for viewing launches, bar none. That’s not to say the other guys are not good folks or a good value, but Star Fleet is a cut above.
They will give you outstanding views of launches from out on the water, but aren’t as close as the KSC Visitors Center tours because of the exclusion zone that extend from the launch pad and out several miles into the Atlantic.
That doesn’t matter, because you’ll see as much as you’d see anywhere off the base, and you’ll also get to view the launch from angles that very few people ever do.
As it is with the KSCVC, there is a cost associated with them, but it’s well worth the money and the time. Click the link above to view their site and definitely consider them.
(Note: I am not compensated by or represent Star Fleet Tours. This is just my honest opinion of them.)
There are are other choices off of KSC property.
Crewed SpaceX launches are from LC-39A, which is on the north end of Kennedy Space Center. Let’s start with the two I consider to be mistakes. Your mileage may vary, but I think you can get a better look at other spots.
Great Views:
Max Brewer Bridge, Titusville:
his is considered a top-class viewpoint. Get there early and park across the street at the park. Walk to the top of the bridge on the south side. 11.5 miles away, with an elevated viewpoint, you will clearly see ignition and liftoff. You will also be able to see the rocket more clearly as it flies away.
Space View Park, Titusville:
Google Maps Link
12.08 miles away, this is another great viewing area. The park is smaller, with less parking but at 6am there should be little issue getting in and out. Ignition and liftoff is visible.
Rotary Riverfront Park, US1, Titusville:
12.05 miles away, and an excellent place to go see the launch. A bit south of Space View and the Max Brewer Bridge, this park is actually closer to the launch pad and you will be able to see the liftoff. Is on the Indian River and and is an excellent vantage point. There is a small parking lot and road-side parking.
Kennedy Point Park, US1, Titusville:
12.25 miles away. More or less the same as Rotary Park but with a little less parking. Ignition and liftoff is visible.
KARS Park is an area normally reserved for NASA, on-site contractor and military guests and is a great complex for their enjoyment. While you probably don’t qualify to spend the night, you can still view launches from there. KARS is better for SLC-40 and SLC-41 launches, but it also serves as solid secondary choice for launch spectators.
It’s close to 528 (The Beachline), it’s safe and secure and easy to park. They do charge $10 for crewed launches, but that’s per car and that makes things very reasonable.
Check their Facebook page for more information, but I can say that I have seen over 100 launches from here (including Artemis I) and it was a great view every time.
Bennett Causeway – Rocket Launch Viewing Area
The causeway that extends over the Indian and then the Banana Rivers between Cocoa and Cape Canaveral are really good places to watch a launch, albeit at a long way away. You won’t hear the sound of the liftoff for over thirty seconds after ignition, but you will be able to see ignition and Falcon 9 for a good while as it heads to space.
Here’s a view of a launch from LC-39A seen from the Causeway on A1A/528
For this site for viewing launches from LC-39A (or B) I recommend binoculars and for photography, you’ll need a really long zoom lens. If you want to take closer-in photos, cell phones are not that great to take pictures with from this spot, and I recommend at least a 300mm telephoto on a good DSLR or mirrorless. Even then you’ll be cropping in when you look at the shots on your computer later.
Here’s a closer view.
If you are coming in from I-95, go to the exit for the port (the cloverleaf above) and then head back west on A1A (it’s the same road as Florida-528.) Cross the first bridge (views are better there,) and pull off and park. Unless you are getting there super-early, you’ll see cars and tracks (and some campers) and fellow launch-watchers on the shore of the river.
While you wait, you’ll no doubt see pelicans, probably osprey hunting, and other waterbirds. More often than not folks will also enjoy seeing dolphins swimming just off shore. This is a wild area, so beware of wildlife. I’ve never seen an alligator at this site, but your mileage may vary. Just keep your eyes open and remember you’re in a natural area and you won’t have any problems.
Most visitors ask me about these two places the most: Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral and the Cocoa Beach Pier. They’re great spots to visit, but are only okay for crewed launches.
You’ll definitely see the rocket in flight, but they are not what I would consider the best views for KSC-side launches. They’re a little better for launches from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, but even then, not the best of the best.
(Note: when Blue Origin starts launching New Glenn, Jetty Park will be a prime time spot. Stay tuned.)
Jetty Park Pier:
Views of the launchpad are pretty good, but it is 13 miles to LC-39A from there. More than likely, there will be surf mist between you and the rocket. Since it is flying NE and away from you.
Cocoa Beach Pier:
Google Maps Link
About 15.5 miles from LC-39A. Decent views, but again, you will not see ignition on the launch pad and the rocket will be flying away from you.
One of the best (if not the best) places to see a launch on the Space Coast is from Playalinda Beach on the Canaveral National Seashore. From the first beachside parking lot to the launch pad is only four miles, and generally, one can walk at least another quarter-mile closer on the shoreline for an even better view.
It’s one mile down the beach to the property line between CCNS and Kennedy Space Center, but lately, there have been Park volunteers about 0.25 to 0.5 miles down the beach stopping anyone from walking all the way to the fence. That’s understandable, given security and safety concerns, and the place that they’ve drawn the line in the sand (nearly literally) is plenty close to get great views and awesome sounds of the rocket at it leaves the pad.
Uncrewed Launches Only
One important thing to note is that Playalinda is closed for crewed launches, for obvious reasons. In the event of an emergency requiring activation of the Launch Escape System, the crew could land anywhere nearby, and Playalinda is definitely nearby. That’s a a safety issue on many levels, and it’s simply easier to close the beach than take the risks.
This link will give you the current status of Playalinda. And if you’re not sure, call to doublecheck.
Uncrewed or not, it’s also safe to assume that any launch from LC-39B (the Artemis launch pad) will also result in a beach closure. At 2.5 miles from the first parking area, it is well within the safety zone for people on or off KSC and Artemis launches will result in a closure. Please note that is not an official statement, but I say that based on experiences from previous launches from LC-39B.
Fees Charged
Another thing to remember is that as part of the National Park System, an entrance fee is collected unless you have an annual US Parks Pass. Today, in 2022, that fee is $20 per car. Cash and credit cards are accepted at the gate.
Walk South Down The Beach
Area 1 is the place to go, if there is parking. If not, park at the lowest numbered Area you can find a spot and then walk down the beach towards Area 1. You will see a lot of people, both on the beach and on the boardwalks that go over the dunes. Generally, there are volunteers that stop people from going all the way down to the fence marking the start of Kennedy Space Center property, for safety reasons.
Note: Area 13 is clothing optional, and if you are going with kids, you may want to skip that place. Remember that what is seen cannot be unseen.
Professional Media Will Be There
The boardwalks are especially popular with launch photographers, and a lot of them are professionals or freelancers who are there to photograph the launch for various news outlets. They are a friendly bunch, but keep in mind that they are working so when it’s close to launch time they’re best left alone.
Afterwards, they’ll again be happy to talk to most anyone, and maybe even give you a peek at what they’ve shot.
The Launch View and Sounds
Look down the beach line and slightly inland and you should be able to see the rocket and the launch tower. Cell phone service at Playalinda is very spotty, so keep an eye on your watch or phone for the expected launch time to come. That will happen without much warning, but when it happens it will be unmistakable.
It takes a 15-20 seconds for the sound to travel from the launch pad to viewers — about five seconds a mile — so you will see the rocket before you hear it. When you do hear it, it will be loud, like close thunder. A Falcon 9 is a powerful rocket, but it is not an earth-shaker like a Saturn V was…those could shake the ground and were deafening. A Falcon 9 is more like a storm, but it is definitely a loud sound.
Here’s a video I made with a GoPro of a Playalinda launch. The rocket is louder than you hear and seems to be a little closer than the video shows. Still, it shows what the sights and sounds are pretty accurately:
On a clear day, you will be able to see all the way up to staging, when the first stage is done and separates from the rocket. On a really clear day you’ll be able to watch the second stage for some time. Keep in mind it is only about an eight minute trip to orbit, and that the rocket is travelling away from you and quickly going thousands of miles an hour. (Orbital speed is 17,500 miles per hour.) It is still an incredible sight and one that you likely won’t forget for a very long time.
See also: Spots To View A Crewed SpaceX Launch on the Space Coast
Here’s a story in the Huntsville (Alabama) Times from 1958 talking about my grandfather and my uncle and their jobs with the space program. V.L. Pinson, my grandfather, was a senior engineer and manager with the Army Ballistic Missile Agency, which was later merged into NASA in 1960.
George Pinson, my uncle, joined Boeing shortly after this article was written, and during his time there, he was an engineer, director and senior manager. When he retired, he had over 300 patents, some of which can be found here. One of the main projects he worked on was the Saturn V S-IC first stage, as well as military rocketry systems.
They were both very intelligent men, and literal rocket scientists who taught me a great deal — not the least of which was how to learn and how to go about solving problems.
Ever wondered what the inside of NASA’s Transporter Crawler looks like?
In 2014, I was part of a NASA Social event, and as part of the “insider” tour we got to go inside and look around in the Crawler that was used for Apollo and the Space Shuttle, and is now used for Artemis.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from pad 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 3, 2022 from LC-39A. The Starlink 4-9 mission lofted 47 Starlink broadband satellites to orbit.
I drove out to Playalinda Beach on the Cape Canaveral National Seashore yesterday (it’s about 30 minutes away) and got a great look at Artemis-1 as it sat on Launch Complex 39-B awaiting Wet Dress Rehearsal on April 1-3, 2022.
Artemis will be at LC-39B until sometime the week of April 4th, when it will be returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building to be prepared for its launch to the moon. When it flies, it will be the most powerful rocket ever launched — 39,000 kN (8,800,000 lb) of force — more than the venerable Saturn V.
Given a successful dress rehearsal, it should head to the moon from Kennedy Space Center in June. It will orbit Luna for five days after arrival, and then depart back for the Earth.
“Rogozin is at it again,” harked a post on Twitter today. Rogozin is of course Dmitry Olegovich Rogozin, the Director General of Roscosmos, Russia’s state corporation for spaceflight activities and systems. “At it” meant that he had given a speech regarding the current state of the Russian space program, its future and its plans. I suppose “at it” was also meant that Rogozin had made sensational sort of statement, something he’s known for from time to time. He didn’t really do that this time, however, instead he gave a frank statement of how his program needs to improve and what his viewpoint of the American space program is.
Rogozin makes some good points, with a touch of the same sort of jingoism Americans were applauding as it came from the Cape and Houston just a couple of weeks ago as NASA and SpaceX sent two astronauts to orbit on the ISS. Write off the Russian space program at your own peril — they are the ones who have uninterrupted access to orbit for over forty years.
He called out NASA spokesperson Stephanie Schierholz, who told Forbes magazine last week that “cosmonauts will fly on Crew Dragon and Boeing Starliner and vice versa.” Aside from Schierholz’s statement, there’s no evidence that Russia is planning to fly on either craft — they have purchased no contracts, nor have they publicly submitted any RFP’s for one. Russia has no need to buy seats, as it has a reliable ride to space of its own.
Rogozin also offered a riposte to Elon Musk, when he said “on May 30 Elon Musk did not bring us down — he brought down his compatriots from Boeing passing them with the beginning of the flight tests. This war is theirs, but not ours. We have a long-standing and continuously working national transport system; we constantly refine it, at the same time building a new and more advanced spacecraft.”
What do you expect him to say? Should he fawn like a SpaceX fanboi on Twitter and suggest that the Russians shut down a program that has ~1900 successful launches, 173 crewed? That is absurd. Rogozin is correct, besides. The competition was not with them, it was Boeing vs. SpaceX. Yes, Russia charged NASA far more than SpaceX will, but the Russians were also charging what the market would bear, something that should be near and dear to a country to claims to love the free market and capitalism. The only possible competition would have come from China, a country that NASA is forbidden to work with in any international space effort. It was Russia or America would have had to abandon ISS entirely. Given that stark choice, Russia’s price was a bargain.
Much was also made in the about the vast superiority of Crew Dragon and Falcon 9 versus Soyuz. Certainly Crew Dragon is more modern, after all, its base design is a little more than a decade old. Its crewed flight capabilities are still being tested for the first time — while it is successfully in orbit, that was only one-third of its mission: go to orbit, stay there and test the long-term capabilities of the craft to stay functional and then return the crew safely home. Until it meets the latter two milestones, one underway, the other yet to come later in the summer, the mission cannot be called a success. On the other hand, Soyuz was and still is the most venerable human launch system in existence. It’s record speaks for itself.
“We have a unique record of 173 successful flights. Even the three emergencies caused by the carrier rocket failures in 1975, 1983 and 2018 occurring during various injection stages showed its unique survivability due to the launch escape system reliability. By the way, the Soyuz rocket of various configurations has performed over 1,900 launches,” said Rogozin.
True. Soyuz is, by far, the most experienced and iterated design of any spacecraft, ever. Is it dated? Yes. But it has continued from its maiden launch in the days of Gemini until now. The Soviets/Russians have not had the capability gaps that existed here between Apollo and STS, the delays after STS tragedies, and the last gap between STS and Commercial Crew.
And it will stay that way, because not all nations want to depend on America for access to space. That is why Rogozin mentioned “the time-honored spacecraft created and designed by Sergey Korolev to conquer the Moon, will serve for a while even after the new Oryol spacecraft becomes operational.” In other words, the Russians will continue to have access to space now and for as far as one can peer into the future.
Here’s a fun little thought experiment for the space enthusiast: suppose for a moment that NASA and the US had followed what the Soviets and later Roscosmos did with Soyuz: kept improving the existing system incrementally and kept the system flying while they did.
Instead of building a new booster stack for every new program – STS, now ISS, and later whatever we do with SLS when it finishes, we had kept the Saturn IB / Apollo CSM system in service and had iteratively improved it as technology improved? At least on the surface, the answer seems be a “yes.”
While it was hardly sexy, “Cluster’s Last Stand” had a great track record. Save for Apollo 13 (caused by human error) the same can be said for the CSM. I think the H-1 (later RS-27) engine would have evolved to something similar to the Merlin in performance terms (both are gas-generator engines) and the J2 engine on the S-IVB Saturn IB second stage had plenty of go (1,033.1 kN).
On the top, literally, an Apollo capsule with even the second generation Shuttle avionics much less CST-100 or Orion avionics would have been something to behold, plus whatever improvements to another 40 years of development and manufacturing would have brought. Would the Apollo CSM have evolved to something reusable? Maybe.
Did we quit flying every time we built a new kind of airplane? No. But that’s what the US has effectively done with its space program: nothing launched from US soil during the development of the next program. This happened in the 1970’s between Apollo and the Space Shuttle and it has been since 2011 and the end of the Shuttle program that US astronauts have gone to space on an American rocket. It seems illogical, but that’s what has happened.
Ironically, the US and NASA depend on the venerable Soyuz workhorse to ferry astronauts to ISS. Soyuz has been in service since 1967, and its replacement is only now in advanced development in Russia.
One thing is certain: the US would have never had the launch gap in the 1970’s between ASTP and STS, nor would we have one now. The Russians have never had a flight gap since Soyuz entered service in the late 1960’s, save for the short periods following incident investigations. And even today, they can continue to use the venerable Soyuz while RKK Energia works through the issues with their new Federation spacecraft (its maiden launch is expected to slip from 2022 to 2024.)
Meanwhile, our *three* human spaceflight programs all have their own issues. At the time of this writing in May, 2019, SpaceX is piecing together the data and the remains of its first Crew Dragon capsule after it exploded during a test, Boeing is working through its own issues with its onboard launch escape system engines on the CST-100 and SLS continues to plod through development and testing (and is years behind schedule.)
Perhaps we should have kept the old uprated Saturn I system. It would be interesting to have seen what we could have done in space had we kept the old bird flying.
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