The K150 Cyclotron at Texas A&M Photo credit: CERN
SpaceX plans to build a particle accelerator facility in Florida. The 230 MeVcyclotron will accelerate protons to near-light speed, which the company says will be used to bring radiation effects testing in-house across all of its vehicles and satellite platforms.
The facility was confirmed by Michael Nicolls, SpaceX’s Vice President of Starlink, who posted on X on February 5 that the company is “hiring elite engineers at our new 230 MeV cyclotron facility in Florida, where we are bringing single-event radiation testing in house to accelerate development across all SpaceX vehicles.”
“As part of our continuous effort to vertically integrate and scale safe and rapid access to space as well as improve the baseline reliability of our multiple on-orbit mega-constellations, SpaceX has acquired a 230 MeV cyclotron to bring radiation single event effects testing in house,” the posting reads. “This proton particle accelerator will be used to screen and characterize electronics across all of our vehicles and platforms, unlocking unprecedented agility for chip and PCBA level performance characterization that will be critical as we build and scale our AI constellations and deep space exploration vehicles.“
The exact location of the facility within Florida has not been disclosed. The job posting mentions Winter Park, a town in the Orlando metroplex. SpaceX operates extensive facilities across the Space Coast, including launch sites at Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Space Launch Complex 40 and the forthcoming SLC-37, along with the expanding Roberts Road complex where the company is constructing its Florida Gigabay manufacturing facility and Starfactory 2.0.
Radiation Dangers?
Ionizing radiation (gamma rays, X-Rays, etc.) is produced during cyclotron operation. There’s also the use of high voltages and strong magnetic fields, plus, in some cases, hazardous target gases or liquids. Facilities typically address these with thick concrete or earth shielding, restricted access zones, and rigorous safety protocols.
For the general public outside a properly shielded facility, the risk is essentially negligible. Radiation levels at the facility boundary are required to be well below regulatory limits. The fact is, the average Space Coast resident will receive a far higher annual radiation dose from Earth’s background radiation alone.
Space Coast Annual Background Radiation
Annual Background Radiation Dose — Florida’s Space Coast
Estimated dose for Brevard County residents (sea level, ~28.5°N latitude)
Radiation Source
Description
mSv/year
Cosmic Radiation
From deep space & solar particles
Minimal at sea level; deflected by Earth’s magnetic field at low latitude
~0.26
Terrestrial Radiation
From soil, rock & sand
Florida’s sandy coastal soils are among the lowest in the U.S.
~0.10–0.23
Radon & Thoron
Radioactive gas from ground decay
Very low on the Space Coast — sandy soil, no basements, good ventilation
~0.50–1.00
Internal (Body)
Potassium-40, carbon-14 & other radionuclides
Present in all humans regardless of location
~0.40
Food & Water
Trace radionuclides ingested daily
Potassium in bananas, brazil nuts, seafood, etc.
~0.30
Estimated Space Coast Natural Background Total
~1.60–2.20
Talk of Titusville
Who Regulates A Cyclotron?
If a cyclotron were installed on Florida’s Space Coast, the primary regulatory authority would be the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Radiation Control. Florida has been an “Agreement State” since 1964, when the Atomic Energy Commission (now the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission) signed a formal agreement transferring authority over radioactive materials licensing and enforcement to the state.
Today the Bureau of Radiation Control licenses more than 1,800 users of radioactive materials across Florida, including hospitals, universities, and research institutions.
A cyclotron operator would need to obtain a specific radioactive materials license from this bureau before possessing or using any of the isotopes a cyclotron produces. The bureau also handles registration of the cyclotron itself as an ionizing radiation machine under Chapter 64E-5 of the Florida Administrative Code.
The NRC retains an oversight role, periodically auditing Florida’s program to ensure it meets federal safety standards, but the state bureau is the agency an operator would deal with directly for licensing, inspections, and enforcement.
Texas A&M’s facility tested nearly 100 electronic components for SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule during a three-year period leading up to the historic Demo-2 mission in May 2020, which launched astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley to the International Space Station from KSC’s Pad 39A.
By building its own cyclotron, SpaceX eliminates the bottleneck of competing for beam time at shared facilities and gains the ability to test on its own schedule — a significant advantage given the pace at which the company iterates on hardware. SpaceX is currently producing new generations of Starlink satellites at a rapid clip, developing Starshield military variants, building the Starship Human Landing System for NASA’s Artemis program, and continuing to fly Dragon crew and cargo missions.
The natural radiation environment of space necessitates radiation testing for verification and improvements of the company’s product lines and is consistent with SpaceX’s broader strategy of aggressive vertical integration: if you can do it faster and cheaper internally, build it yourself.
SpaceX Falcon 9 in September 2024. Photo: Charles Boyer
Yesterday after the launch of Starlink 17-32 from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, SpaceX deployed its payload of Starlink satellites as planned, but was apparently unable to complete a deorbit burn of the second stage used for the mission. That burn allows the company to precisely place the re-entry zone for safe disposal of the second stage. That in turn has led SpaceX to pause Falcon 9 flights while it investigates the issue.
For its part, SpaceX said on X last night that “During today’s Falcon 9 launch of Starlink satellites, the second stage experienced an off-nominal condition during preparation for the deorbit burn. The vehicle then performed as designed to successfully passivate the stage. The first two MVac burns were nominal and safely deployed all 25 Starlink satellites to their intended orbit. Teams are reviewing data to determine root cause and corrective actions before returning to flight.”
UPDATE: Talk of Titusville asked the FAA whether an investigation would be required and whether it would pause Falcon 9 licenses until the investigation was completed, and after the latest government shutdown was resolved, they replied on February 5th, “Safety is our top priority. SpaceX is required to conduct a mishap investigation. The FAA will oversee every step of the investigation, approve the final report and any corrective actions.”
Falcon 9 Upper Stage Incidents
Mission
Incident Date
Return to Flight
Starlink Group 9-3
July 2024
15 days later
Crew-9
September 2024
~2 weeks later
Starlink 10-12
February 2025
Undetermined
As of: February 3, 2026 at 8:32 AM EST
Spaceflight expert Dr. Jonathan McDowell noted yesterday that the second stage for Starlink 17-32 won’t be in orbit long. He posted on the X platform late last night, saying “[The US] Space Force has cataloged the errant Starlink 17-32 Falcon 9 upper stage as object 67673 [and it is] in a 110 x 241 km x 97.3 deg orbit. It will reenter quickly.”
The payload deployed normally, so there is no danger of uncommanded reentry of the 25 Starlink satellites. According to Dr. McDowell, “The Starlinks report themselves in the target 246 x 260 km orbit. The second stage did not make a deorbit burn, but it did passivate by venting prop, and this lowered the perigee to 110 km.”
Effect On Eastern Range Launches?
With launches delayed for the time being, it is fair to say that the first three of the four Falcon 9 launches SpaceX has planned for Cape Canaveral may not be launched on their planned launch dates:
SpaceX Falcon 9 Launches – February 2026
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida
Date
Mission
Window
Pad
Notes
Feb 5
Starlink 6-103
4:46 PM EST
SLC-40
29 Starlink sats; B1095 (5th); ASOG
NET Feb 6
Starlink 6-104
TBD
SLC-40
29 Starlink sats; B1077 (26th); JRTI
NET Feb 11
Crew-12
6:00 AM EST
SLC-40
Crew Dragon to ISS; RTLS landing
Late Feb
Starlink (TBD)
TBD
SLC-40
Additional missions expected
Legend: NET = No Earlier Than • ASOG/JRTI = Drone ships • RTLS = Return to Launch Site
Note: Schedule subject to change. Additional Starlink flights typically added throughout the month.
As of: February 3, 2026 at 8:32 AM EST
That includes Crew 12, which was planned for NET February 11. Before yesterday’s Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal and subsequent schedule shift to NET March 6 for NASA’s moon mission, the February 11 date was in question due to Artemis II, now that date is in peril while SpaceX investigates its latest anomaly.
Artemis II at LC-39B on February 1, 2026 Photo: Charles Boyer
Teams at Kennedy Space Center conducted and mostly completed a critical Wet Dress Rehearsal for the launch of the Artemis II rocket and ground support teams yesterday. The test was not without problems: Hydrogen leaks at the tail mast area of the pad and an issue closing Orion’s hatches bedeviled the tests, resulting in NASA announcing that the launch of the Artemis II mission is now no earlier than March 6, 2026.
“The Artemis II wet dress rehearsal countdown was terminated at the T-5:15 minute mark due to a liquid hydrogen leak at the interface of the tail service mast umbilical, which had experienced high concentrations of liquid hydrogen earlier in the countdown, as well,” NASA said.
A view of the Tail Mast and the retractable Liquid Hydrogen feed lines for SLS. Photo: NASA
In a press conference today, Artemis II Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson said, “When we got into the LH2 fast fill—which was around 12:29—is when we picked up our first leak in the SMU, in the cavity, which is where the flight and the ground plate come together. It’s that cavity in between. It’s in our eight-inch fill and drain line there. We have a QD that connects those two together.”
Charlie Blackwell-Thompson in today’s NASA press conference. Via NASA livestream
“It was similar to some of the signatures we saw during Artemis I. Our leak rate was a little bit higher—somewhere around 12 to 14%,” Blackwell-Thompson continued. “We tried a contingency procedure that we used during Artemis I: you let that QD warm up, you let the seal warm up, and you try it again. We did that a couple of times, worked our way through it, and were able to load the core stage all the way to replenish.”
When asked what items were missed in the Wet Dress Rehearsal, Blackwell-Thompson said, “What we didn’t get to do: we wanted to get through terminal count. We wanted to get inside terminal count, hold, and verify our three-minute hold capability—tanks in launch-ready state and you can hold them for up to three minutes.”
“We also wanted to demonstrate a recycle: come down, have a planned cutoff, come back and retarget a new T-0 within the launch window. Didn’t get a chance to do that.”
What’s Next
Before the March window, NASA’s engineers and mission managers will review data, equipment and procedures from the WDR yesterday and they will conduct a second Wet Dress Rehearsal before committing to a launch date. Of key interest are the Tail Mast interfaces that deliver LH2 to the rocket’s propellant tanks.
“With the conclusion of the wet dress rehearsal today, we are moving off the February launch window and targeting March for the earliest possible launch of Artemis II,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said today. “With more than three years between SLS launches, we fully anticipated encountering challenges. That is precisely why we conduct a wet dress rehearsal. These tests are designed to surface issues before flight and set up launch day with the highest probability of success.”
Remaining Launch Windows
ARTEMIS II MISSION AVAILABILITY – SPRING 2026
(Subject to Adjustments)
March 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
April 2026
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Launch Window Available
Launch Window Opening
Window
Date
Local Time
UTC
Lighting
Mins
Mar 6
8:29 PM EST
Mar 7, 01:29
2.05 hrs after sunset
120
Mar 7
8:57 PM EST
Mar 8, 01:57
2.51 hrs after sunset
120
Mar 8
10:56 PM EDT
Mar 9, 02:56
3.48 hrs after sunset
120
Mar 9
11:52 PM EDT
Mar 10, 03:52
4.40 hrs after sunset
120
Mar 10
12:48 AM EDT
Mar 10, 04:48
5.36 hrs after sunset
115
Apr 1
6:24 PM EDT
Apr 1, 22:24
1.28 hrs before sunset
120
Apr 3
8:00 PM EDT
Apr 4, 00:00
0.30 hrs after sunset
120
Apr 4
8:53 PM EDT
Apr 5, 00:53
1.17 hrs after sunset
120
Apr 5
9:40 PM EDT
Apr 6, 01:40
1.95 hrs after sunset
120
Apr 6
10:36 PM EDT
Apr 7, 02:36
2.87 hrs after sunset
120
Apr 30
6:06 PM EDT
Apr 30, 22:06
1.86 hrs before sunset
120
↔ Scroll table on mobile
As of: February 3, 2026 at 8:32 AM EST
The Good and The Bad
A liquid hydrogen leak at the LC-39B’s Tail Mast umbilical connection to SLS’s core stage forced engineers into a troubleshooting effort that pushed the countdown about two hours behind schedule. The team cycled through several repair attempts, first halting LH2 flow, then letting the interface warm so seals could seat themselves properly, and finally by tweaking propellant flow rates before pressing ahead. Ultimately, they were successful in their efforts and got the 322-foot tall rocket fully fueled, but a great deal of time was lost during the effort.
NASA graphic from their livestream indicated that SLS was fully loaded with propellant by 5:45 PM ET
Secondly, a recently replaced valve tied to Orion’s crew hatch pressurization system needed to be retorqued, and closeout work ran longer than expected. NASA stated around 10 PM last night that, “The closeout crew remains in the White Room and has closed the Orion spacecraft’s crew module hatch. While performing seal pressurization checks on the counterbalance assembly, which could be used to help open the hatch, a valve associated with Orion’s hatch pressurization was inadvertently vented. The counterbalance assembly then needed to be repressurized to allow work to continue.”
Finally, communications issues from SLS to ground caused some issues and will need to be remediated prior to the next Wet Dress Rehearsal, much less any launch attempt in March.
Clearly, there’s some work to do before Artemis II will be ready to fly.
The Artemis II crew has been released from quarantine for the time being. Once a new potential launch date becomes clearer, they will return to quarantine and fly to Kennedy Space Center for final preparations prior to launch.
NASA has scheduled a 1 PM ET press conference to offer more details.
Artemis II stands tall in the chilly air on February 1st, 2026 Photo: Charles Boyer
The countdown for the Artemis II Wet Dress Rehearsal is underway at Kennedy Space Center. Yesterday at 8:13 PM ET, or L-48:40 hours, the simulated countdown began in preparation for a test launch window opening at 9 PM tomorrow, February 2nd.
Artemis II will not launch during this countdown, of course, as it is just a test countdown. The Artemis II crew will not be aboard during Orion the WDR.
Sometime around 1 AM ET Tuesday, or February 3rd, the WDR will conclude.
What Comes After The WDR
After the test cycle concludes, engineers and mission managers will review data gathered during the Wet Dress Rehearsal. This process may take a few days as each major system is reviewed. Since Artemis I, NASA has implemented changes to the liquid Hydrogen systems at LC-39B. That will be a particular area of concern, as H2 leaks bedeviled the Artemis I countdowns both in WDR and later on the night it launched.
After the Data Review, a Flight Readiness Review can be held, during which all aspects of the mission are reviewed: the SLS rocket, the Orion spacecraft, ground systems at the Cape, and the status of the recovery teams that would be first responders to a major anomaly, should one occur, and many others.
The FRR is last major review for the flight, and in it, the Artemis II management team will need to give the mission permission to proceed towards a launch. Only after that milestone is achieved will a launch date and time be announced by NASA.
Artemis II on the launch mount at LC-39B at Kennedy Space Center Photo: Charles Boyer
The Wet Dress Rehearsal In Detail
L-49 Hours, 15 Minutes and Counting
Time
Activity
L-49H 15M
Launch team arrives on stations; countdown begins
L-48H 40M
Countdown clock begins
L-48H 45M – L-39H 45M
LOX/LH2 system preparations for vehicle loading
L-47H 30M – L-38H 30M
Fill water tank for sound suppression system
L-40H 30M – L-39H
Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage (ICPS) powered up
L-39H 30M – L-38H 45M
Core stage powered up
L-38H 45M – L-34H 30M
Final preparations of four RS-25 engines
L-34 Hours, 30 Minutes and Counting
Time
Activity
L-33H 45M – L-33H 10M
ICPS powered down
L-32H 30M – L-28H 30M
Charge Orion flight batteries to 100%
L-30H 30M – L-23H 30M
Charge core stage flight batteries
L-19H 30M – L-16H
Orion crew suit regulator leak checks
L-19H 15M – L-17H 45M
ICPS powered up for launch
L-15 Hours and Counting
Time
Activity
L-14H 30M – L-13H
All non-essential personnel leave Launch Complex 39B
L-13H 15M – L-11H 05M
Air-to-GN2 changeover and vehicle cavity inerting
L-12H 45M – L-11H 15M
Ground Launch Sequencer (GLS) activation
L-11 Hours, 40 Minutes and Counting
Time
Activity
L-11H 35M – L-9H 20M
Built-in hold: 2 hours, 15 minutes
L-11H 40M – L-10H 30M
Weather and tanking briefing
L-10H 20M
Go/No-Go decision to begin tanking
L-10H 20M – L-9H
Orion cold soak
L-10H 10M – L-9H 50M
Core stage LOX transfer line chilldown
L-10H 10M – L-9H 25M
Core stage LH2 chilldown
L-10 Hours and Counting
Time
Activity
L-9H 50M – L-9H 10M
Core stage LOX main propulsion system chilldown
L-9H 25M – L-9H
Core stage LH2 slow fill start
L-9H 20M
Resume T-Clock from T-8H 10M
L-9H 10M – L-8H 55M
Core stage LOX slow fill
L-9H – L-7H 40M
Core stage LH2 fast fill
L-8H 55M – L-6H 10M
Core stage LOX fast fill
L-8H 45M – L-8H 10M
ICPS LH2 chilldown
L-8H 10M – L-7H 25M
ICPS LH2 fast fill start
L-7H 45M – L-6H
ICPS LOX main propulsion system chilldown
L-7H 40M – L-7H 30M
Core stage LH2 topping
L-7H 30M – terminal
Core stage LH2 replenish
L-7H 25M – L-7H 05M
ICPS LH2 vent and relief test
L-7H 05M – L-6H 55M
ICPS LH2 tank topping start
L-6H 50M – terminal
ICPS LH2 replenish
L-6H 10M – L-5H 40M
Orion communications system activated (RF to Mission Control)
The National Park Service has released an update concerning the status of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge during launch campaign for Artemis II
Playalinda Beach Hours Update – January 30, 2026
The National Park Service released this statement yesterday. Playalinda Beach is apparently now closed for the duration of the Artemis II launch campaign in February.
Attention Canaveral National Seashore Visitors
“Titusville—Canaveral National Seashore will be temporarily changing operating hours in the Playalinda District (Titusville) to support NASA and the Artemis II launch.
Beginning January 12th, Playalinda Beach operating hours will be 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. through January 30th.
Beginning January 31st through until the day of a successful launch, the entire Playalinda Beach District will be closed.
The seashore will resume normal operating hours (6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.) the day after Artemis II successfully launches.”
For up-to-date information, visit the park’s Facebook and Instagram: @canaveralnatlseashore
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Update – January 30, 2026
As for MINWR, it looks like most of the site will be closed from February 8th, except for the north end up by the Mid-Course Radar Site and Haulover Bridge — far from any optimal view of the launch.
Attention Merritt Island NWR Visitors
“Kennedy Space Center security has informed us that they will close the roads leading into the Refuge at 4:30AM on Sunday 2/8. Only badged employees will be allowed to enter through the west entrance adjacent to Parrish Park and the Max Brewer Bridge. The Haulover canal bridge will also be raised, preventing access south of the canal. Those who enter by boat through the Haulover Canal will find the Mosquito Lagoon closed south of the canal. Conservation officers will be on the water enforcing this closure. These closures are for safety reasons.”
For up-to-date information, visit the refuge’s Facebookpage
The West Entrance to Kennedy Space Center on Beach Road.
Also worth noting:
Jan 17 – Feb 6 (or until launch): The south gate of BioLab Road will remain closed. Vehicular traffic will be restricted at the intersection of BioLab Road and Max Hoeck Road/Trail.
Stay Tuned
It’s important to keep in mind that these dates and times will be updated often depending on when Artemis II is slated to launch. Consult the following pages for the most up to date information:
Artist’s rendering of Starship on its launch mount at LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center
The 50,000 foot view
The Federal Aviation Administration released the Final Environmental Impact Statement and its Record of Decision regarding the matter this morning. The Record of Decision approves SpaceX to operate Starship-Super Heavy at Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center, clearing the final major regulatory hurdle for the company’s next-generation launch vehicle on Florida’s Space Coast.
Now, SpaceX needs to complete the build out its infrastructure at LC-39A, relocate Starship flight hardware from Boca Chica, Texas to KSC, and obtain the necessary FAA launch license(s) to launch the 408.1 feet (124.4 meter) tall rocket. It will be the most powerful rocket to ever launch from the Eastern Range, eclipsing the venerable Saturn V, New Glenn and even SLS Block I.
The decision authorizes up to 44 Starship-Super Heavy launches and 88 landings annually—44 each for the Super Heavy booster and Starship upper stage. Ocean landings on droneships in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans are also permitted.
The approval follows a 16-month environmental review process that began with a Notice of Intent published in May 2024, included multiple public comment periods, and culminated in the Final Environmental Impact Statement released today.
FAA Record of Decision: SpaceX Starship at LC-39A
Kennedy Space Center • Signed Jan 29, 2026
Category
Details
🚀 Approved Operations
Annual Limits
Approved 44 launches • 88 landings (44 Super Heavy + 44 Starship) • 88 static fires
Super Heavy: LC-39A catch or Atlantic Ocean droneship/expendable
Starship: LC-39A, Atlantic/Pacific/Indian Ocean droneship or water landing
Infrastructure
Approved ~800,000 sq ft improvements: launch mount, catch tower, propellant generation (methane liquefier, air separation unit), storage tanks, deluge ponds, water system (~518,000 L/launch)
⚠️ Significant Environmental Effects
Emissions
Significant NOx:385.66 tons/yr (54% over threshold, 4.35% of Brevard County) GHG:217,354 MT CO2e/yr (319% over threshold, 2.81% of county)
Noise
Significant
Sonic booms exceed 60 dB CDNL on 28,595 acres off-KSC • Up to 82% awakening probability at night • Outdoor levels exceed 97 dB max at locations outside KSC/CCSFS
Air Traffic
Significant
Avg delay: ~40 min (up to 2 hrs) • Ground stops at Core 30 FL airports • Coordination with Canada, Bahamas, Mexico, Central America, Cuba
🚧 Access Restrictions
Closures
Tests: ~396 hrs/yr (4.5%) • Launches/reentries: ~462 hrs/yr (5.3%) • Total: ~10% of year (half day/half night) NPS revenue impact: $239K–$423K/yr (13–24% loss to Canaveral National Seashore)
🐢 Wildlife Conditions (USFWS)
Training & Surveys
Required
All personnel: wildlife training before onsite work (species ID, sea turtle/scrub-jay/indigo snake/manatee protocols) • Pre-construction biological surveys required • Lighting Operations Manual for sea turtle season
Manatee
Required
Dedicated observer on vessels in Indian River Lagoon • 50 ft minimum distance • ≤10 knots where observed • No wake/idle near docks
📊 Required Monitoring
Species
Monitoring Scrub-jay: 70% banded in 1 yr, 90% in 3 yrs; census pre/post breeding Sea turtle: Mar 1–Oct 31; 8 light surveys/yr; all hawksbill/Kemp’s ridley/leatherback nests monitored Beach mouse: Habitat use, survival, reproduction, population density
Physical
Monitoring Noise: 3 events each for SH/Starship static fires, launches, landings (15 total) Vibration: Loggers at 0.3 mi, 15″ deep; min 3 launches
🐋 Marine Conditions (NMFS)
Distance & Vessel
Required
Activities ≥5 nm from coast (≥1 nm within 50 mi of LC-39A) • No coral reef landings • Dedicated observer on recovery ops • 300 ft from mammals, 150 ft from turtles • ≤10 kts near mother/calf
Right Whale
Required
1,500 ft minimum distance • Nov–Apr: SH and Starship cannot both land in critical habitat same flight • No landings in active Slow/Dynamic Mgmt Areas • Flight reports within 30 days until full reusability
🏛️ Historic Preservation (NHPA)
Structures
Monitoring
9 structures monitored through first 5 launches + 5 SH landings + 1 Starship landing: St. Gabriel’s Church, Pritchard House, Walker Apts (Titusville); Cocoa Jr High, Aladdin Theater (Cocoa); Cape Canaveral Lighthouse (CCSFS); John Sams House, St. Luke’s Church (Merritt Island); Beach House (KSC)
Programmatic Agreement executed Nov 22, 2025 with FL SHPO & Seminole Tribe
If you are visiting Florida and want to create a great launch photograph but the launch is at night, take a look at this relatively simple technique that will yield some awesome results: a launch streak shot.
Launch streaks are not difficult for nearly any photographer to create, and it doesn’t take any specialized equipment other than a wide-angle lens and a relatively inexpensive shutter release cable used to keep the shutter of your camera open for several minutes during the flight of the rocket. You’ll also need a tripod that can support the camera as well.
Below is a basic procedure and you too can create a memorable photo that will be one that you keep for years.
Here’s what you need:
Equipment Checklist
Camera
DSLR, mirrorless, or film camera
Battery
Fully charged — a dead battery mid-exposure is no fun at all
Lens
Wide-angle, preferably 24mm or less. A 35mm may work if you’re farther from the pad, but 24mm is best within 20 miles of the launch site.
Tripod
Sturdy tripod
Remote
Locking shutter release cable
Mindset
Patience
That’s it. The release cable can be purchased on Amazon for less than $50 for most major brands, and for some cameras, the price is a lot less than that: I’ve used a $15 Nikon cable for years with different cameras.
Where To Go?
That’s up to you, and I have seen great launch streak shots taken from Orlando, Daytona Beach, even West Palm Beach and Tampa.
If you are visiting the theme parks in Orlando, I’d recommend making a short trip east and going to one of the local parks on US-1 north in Titusville, or perhaps on the beaches on Cape Canaveral or Cocoa Beach. There are other sites, such as KARS Park (limited hours, small admission fee) or the Banana River Bridge on FL-528W, but for the purposes of this article, let’s assume that you’re going to Titusville. It’s easy to get to, easy to get in and out of, is safe and has plenty of police nearby to guide traffic and ensure public safety.
You’ll need a clear view of the horizon and sky to to the general direction of the launch itself. For example, most SpaceX Falcon 9 launches carrying Starlink satellites are to the southeast, while every launch towards the International Space Station are in the opposite direction — to the northeast. If the launch is carrying satellites to geo-stationary orbit, it’s a safe bet that the rocket will fly close to due east from the launch pad.
First things first: check the weather. Check the launch status. See below for more information on how to do that. Rockets don’t launch in thunderstorms or steady rain, and winds cancel launches almost as often as rain. Thunderstorm clouds (anvil clouds) near the launch pad? Scrub. Know before you go is the key phrase to remember here. And don’t forget: things change fast with Florida weather.
Assuming everything is still a “go” my personal recommendation is to arrive at your selected viewing location at least an hour in advance – and it is better to get there before that if you can swing it. You’ll want plenty of time to park, orient yourself to the launch pad, and set up your gear and check it twice. I also like to take a quick test shot before liftoff to ensure I’m ready to go and to check my composition.
The one-hour time buffer will work for a regular launch like a SpaceX Starlink mission. If it is a major launch like Artemis II, you’ll want to be in place at least 2-4 hours in advance. Tune in to local news for up-to-the-minute information.
A Word About Scrubs and Delays
I’ve been to launches that were scrubbed with a minute or less to go and a couple after ignition of the engines. Delays of an hour or more are also possible, especially when the weather is so-so. Be aware of that, and be ready for it to happen and hope it doesn’t.
Rocket launches are peculiar beasts, and they can be delayed or postponed at any time for any reason.
On the other hand, I have waited for launches that I was 100% certain would be called off thanks to weather. Then at the last minute, things were perfect and the rocket flew off the pad at the time that was planned days in advance. You just never know.
How Do I Get Updates While I Wait?
As long as you have a good signal on your cell phone (another reason I recommend Titusville), you should be able to keep up with the launch status relatively easily. That’s important to do, because as I mention above, rocket launches are quite often delayed or scrubbed (canceled for the day) if everything is not right.
The weather has to be within acceptable limits, the rocket itself has to be in fully working order, and, on top of that, the areas at sea and in the air along the rocket’s flight path have to be clear. In short, thousands of different things have to go right for a rocket to launch, but only one thing has to not be right for the launch to be scrubbed or delayed.
No one will remember a scrub or a delay, but no one will ever forget a launch failure.
It’s free to use, is accurate, and has really nice features like a countdown clock that comes in handy while I’m waiting to see watch liftoff. They have apps for both Android and Apple, as well as a website online that has the same information. They don’t charge for access, though the site and apps are ad-supported.
If you are a Facebook user, Space Launch Schedule also has an active user group that’s a good source of information and inspiration. Later on, you can share your photo(s) there as well.
This site is part of the NASA Spaceflight but it is largely fed by the same information service as Space Launch Schedule. The real difference is that Next Spaceflight can be quicker to update in terms of changing times or even scrubs — that’s because they have the Spaceflight Now team providing information. That’s not to say Space Launch Schedule is not timely, it is, but I think Next Spaceflight is a little quicker.
Space Launch Schedule has a very accurate countdown clock for each launch. Also, check out their “Watch In Person” link — they have some great tips.
Spaceflight Now is a space news website and news service that also provides launch coverage on YouTube. They start about an hour before liftoff, and are an excellent source for up-to-the-minute status updates. SFN offers a countdown clock, views of the rocket, and informative commentary from some of the best in launch coverage.
A screen capture of Spaceflight Now’s launch feed from Starlink 6-24. The rocket and the countdown clock are clearly visible.
NOTE: Because it literally takes time for a live signal to travel from the Cape to YouTube’s servers and then back down to your phone, SFN’s video feed can be delayed anywhere from six to thirty seconds when you see it. That’s not any editorial decision by them, it’s simply a matter of physics. Refer to the Space Launch Schedule countdown clock for the most accurate time to liftoff.
There are other great sources of information, but for simplicity’s sake, I will only mention the few websites above. Between them, you’ll know what you need to know when you need to know it, and that’s what counts the most. I recommend you explore both Spaceflight Now and the scheduling sites before heading to the launch site.
Setting Up For The Photograph
Once you arrive at the launch viewing site choose where you will place your camera. I recommend being close to the water’s edge if you are on the banks of the Indian or Banana River, and adding some foreground interest to give your photograph a sense of place. There are a lot of piers on the Indian River, for example. If you can’t find an object to put in the foreground, no worries, you’ll still get a great shot. One thing you’ll want to make sure of: make sure your tripod is stable and hard to bump accidentally.
IMPORTANT NOTE: be aware of wildlife in or near the water. If you see or hear an alligator, find another spot. Don’t approach it and don’t disturb it.
Find the launch pad, if you can see it. (Some great streak shots don’t show the launch pad.) This can be tricky, and if you’re not sure and someone is nearby, ask them. Worst case, use Google Maps to orient yourself so that you’re aiming in the right direction.
My setup for a launch in the summer of 2023. One camera was used for closeup still photos, one for a streak shot, and the GoPro close to the ground was used for an animated streak shot.
This is where knowing the trajectory is critical: if the launch is to the south, you’ll want the launch pad on the left side of the frame of your planned photo. The rocket will travel left to right if you’re looking to the east.
On the other hand, if the mission is towards the International Space Station, the rocket will be traveling right to left, so orient the launch pad to the right of your frame. If you’re at an equatorial launch (one to the due east from the pad) you’ll want to center the pad in your frame.
I tend to leave as much sky in the composition as I can, that keeps me from missing the top of the arc. This is a risk with longer length lenses.
The Space Launch Schedule website has a link to a flight trajectory plot on Flightclub.io, another launch info site. Here’s one for Starlink showing it will travel to the southeast. If you are facing east, put the launch pad region on the left side of your composition.
Next, shift the camera so the sky is at least 75% of your composition. If you’re close to the launch pad – again, using the example of US1 in Titusville, I recommend making it 85% sky, just to be sure. You can always zoom in and crop later if you like, but you can’t compensate for missing part of the flight path if you’re aimed too low.
Safer is better than sorry, especially if you’ve traveled a very long way to take the photograph.
This is the raw, unedited version of my Starlink 6-24 shot, taken from next to Rotary Park in Titusville. The grass and trees were well-lit by the street-lights on the highway. This was made with a 24mm lens, and you can see that I almost aimed too low to get the whole streak.Here are the settings for the raw photo above. 405 second exposure a ISO 100 and f22. I started the exposure at t-minus two minutes. The aperture was really high because I was quite close to the launch pad and wanted to avoid a blob of light from the initial liftoff sequence.
Camera Settings
Here are the settings I’ve used successfully for a few dozen “streak shots”:
Camera Settings
Mode
MANUAL
ISO
100
Aperture
f/14 – f/22
Shutter
Bulb
Autofocus
OFF — Manually focus to infinity. To confirm focus, shine a light on an object 20–30 yards away and focus on it. Use gaffer’s tape (not duct tape) to lock the focus ring in place.
Artemis II will be one of the brightest rockets you’ll see. Consider decreasing the aperture by another stop or so (f16 or even f18).
Turn off noise reduction or any other in-camera post-processing. I have found with long exposures like a streak shot, my camera can take 4-5 minutes to complete post-processing and that in turn is a chance for a mistake. That being said, I turn it all off in the camera, and if I need to reduce noise, I’ll do it in my photo editor. Also, turn off any VR (vibration reduction) since the camera will be on a tripod.
Consult your camera manual for directions if you’re not sure how to put it in those settings. If you don’t have your camera manual handy, ask ChatGPT.
Focusing may be a bit of a challenge, but I’ve found that I can focus my lens fairly easily by first centering on a bright light off on the horizon and then focusing on it, or using the old trick of illuminating something 30-35 yards away with a flashlight and focusing on that. Either method should set your focus to infinity. Lock it down with gaffer’s tape so you don’t defocus accidentally.
Finally. I’ll carefully adjust my composition to what I am looking for, and finally lock the tripod down so it won’t move at all while the photo is being made.
When To Take The Picture
Take a test picture once you have everything set – probably 4-5 minutes of exposure, at least. This will give you the confidence that you’ve set up everything correctly, and if not, you’ll have a chance to fix it before the launch itself. Given that it’s pretty dark, I often will tilt or level the camera a little bit after my first test shot.
For the launch itself, I will often start the photo a couple of minutes before liftoff. This accomplishes a couple purposes: if anything has gone awry, I have a last chance to fix it. Secondly, and most importantly, I like my streak shots to have a bit of color in the sky. The longer the exposure time, the bluer the sky. If there are stars out, they’ll have longer streaks. If there are clouds up in the sky, they will streak a bit too.
It’s really an artist’s choice, however, if you want a darker sky, wait closer to the liftoff to start your exposure. If you want a brighter sky start earlier. Test shots are informative here, and I can’t recommend creating them enough.
Whenever you decide to start, lock the shutter of your camera open, and don’t disturb it at all. It’s time to watch a rocket launch!
The Launch Itself
Launches are brightest in the first few seconds of flight, because that’s the closest the rocket will be to you and your camera. It’s one of the reasons I recommend a really high aperture like f20 – you’ll have a much better chance for the first part of the streak not to be “blown out” with a huge blob of light. It’s not aesthetically pleasing to me, so I account for it with the narrow aperture.
The closer you are to the launch pad, the higher your aperture needs to be. If you are 10-12 miles, f14 is fine for Falcon 9.
If you are closer, you might want to be at f18 or f22. If you are farther — for example, in Port St. Lucie, f14 is likely your best bet. Use your judgment, and remember that you can fix things up in your photo editor later if it is a little too dark to suit your tastes.
IMPORTANT: If the rocket used for the mission has solid rocket boosters — Artemis II or Vulcan, for example — you may want to decrease the aperture another stop or so (f16 or even f18).
Foreground interest never hurts a composition. I took this at Kennedy Point Park and stood back 25 feet or so to include other spectators. 10mm lens (cropped) ISO 100, f14, 270 seconds
After the launch, the rocket will appear to rise vertically for at least fifteen and perhaps even thirty seconds, depending on your location and the mission profile. Then it will begin to arc over towards the horizon. At some point, perhaps 45 seconds or so, it will reach its apparent apex and then look like it is descending. Don’t worry, it isn’t dropping, you are just seeing an optical illusion because of the Earth’s curve.
If this is your first launch, you might be surprised at how long it take the sound to arrive to you. You’re close to sea level and that means it takes five seconds for sound to travel a mile. It might be 40-50 seconds before you hear any rumble.
Falcon 9, Kennedy Point Park, f16, 300 seconds.
For a SpaceX Falcon 9, the first stage of flight is roughly two and a half minutes. The plume of the rocket will start changing colors a little after two minutes has gone by, and it will be noticeably dimmer than even just a half minute before. It’s truly a beautiful site to behold.
When the rocket stages, there will be a few seconds of darkness from your point of view. Then, you should see the second stage firing up and continuing the mission. It is usually just a little pin-prick of light, but most nights it’s clearly visible.
The dock at Rotary Riverfront Park in Titusville faces directly toward SLC-40. ISO 100, f20, 451 seconds, 10mm lens
This is another point where artist’s choice comes into play: you can stop the exposure pretty any time you like, or you can let it continue until you can’t see anything. Some nights, I’ve been able to follow the rocket’s flame plume almost to orbit – about eight minutes. If its hazy, like most summer nights, the light will disappear closer to staging. Every launch is different.
Unlock the shutter lock on your release cable, and let the camera write the file to the storage card and have a look – you’ll be able to immediately get an idea of your results!
Post-Processing
I’m not going to go too deep into this, other than to say it’s a near certainty that you will want to perfect your image in your favorite image editing software.
Me, I usually decrease the highlights a bit, perhaps increase or decrease the contrast, and just generally tweak the appearance of the final photo. Unless I’ve missed the mark wildly exposure-wise (like the time I forgot to turn off Auto-ISO, oops!) the shot will pretty much speak for itself and won’t need too much finagling to get it where I want it to be.
The most important thing in post-processing is getting your settings, focus and composition right in the camera.
The Bottom Line
It’s not hard to take a streak photo, but it does require you to pay attention in your setup. Take care of that, use a wide angle lens that can capture the whole arc and you should be golden. Have fun!
File photo of a Falcon 9 night launch from SLC-40 in Cape Canaveral. Photo: Charles Boyer
It’s been a hot minute since the last Falcon 9 launch here on the Eastern Range, or at least it feels that way. Last year saw a Falcon 9 launch from Florida roughly every 3.4 days, and tonight marks the 9th day since the last SpaceX rocket roared off of SLC-40.
That dry spell should end tonight with the launch of the GPS III SV09 mission from Cape Canaveral. The launch window opens at 11:38PM ET and lasts for fifteen minutes.
Falcon 9 booster B1096 will power the mission off of the launch pad, and it is planned to complete its fifth mission when it touches down off the coast of the Carolinas aboard ‘A Shortfall Of Gravitas.’ B1096 previously launched KF-01, IMAP, NROL-77, and one Starlink mission.
At A Glance
Launch Preview — At a Glance
As of: January 27, 2026 (America/New_York)
Mission
Falcon 9 | GPS III-9 “Ellison Onizuka”
Status
Go for Launch Current T-0 confirmed by official or reliable sources.
Rocket
Falcon 9 Block 5 (B1096 — 5th flight)
Organization
SpaceX (for U.S. Space Force)
Location
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Pad
Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40)
Window
Opens: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 — 11:38 PM ET
Closes: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 — 11:53 PM ET
(15-minute window)
Countdown
Loading countdown…
Target: 11:38 PM ET (Window Open)
Destination
Medium Earth Orbit (~20,200 km altitude)
Recovery
First stage landing on drone ship A Shortfall of Gravitas (Atlantic Ocean) Touchdown approximately 8.5 minutes after liftoff
GPS III Space Vehicle 09 is the ninth of ten GPS III satellites, delivering modernized positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities for the U.S. Space Force. GPS III provides up to 3× better accuracy and 8× improved anti-jamming performance, featuring encrypted M-code for military users and the interoperable L1C civil signal. The satellite is named for Col. Ellison Onizuka, a NASA astronaut lost in the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986. Satellite deployment occurs approximately 90 minutes after liftoff.
Tip: Times are shown in Eastern Time (America/New_York). Launch schedules can change quickly due to weather and range operations.
If your platform strips scripts, the countdown may not display.
Trajectory
Northeast.
Weather
The 45th Weather Squadron of the US Space Force’s Launch Delta 45 issued their L-1 Launch Mission Execution Forecast yesterday, and it could not be much better, cool temperatures notwithstanding: 95+% Go throughout the launch window:
Payload
Artist’s rendering of a GPS Block III satellite. Credit: US Air Force
GPS III Space Vehicle 09 is the ninth of ten upgraded navigation satellites built by Lockheed Martin for the U.S. Space Force. It offers three times better accuracy and eight times stronger anti-jamming capability compared to older GPS satellites. Military users get the encrypted M-code signal for secure operations, while civilians benefit from the L1C signal that works alongside Europe’s Galileo system.
The satellite is named “Ellison Onizuka” after the Air Force colonel and NASA astronaut lost in the Challenger disaster on January 28, 1986—almost exactly 40 years ago. After reaching medium Earth orbit about 90 minutes after liftoff, SV09 will undergo testing before joining the operational GPS constellation.
The Artemis II mission will mark humanity’s return to lunar exploration with a crewed spacecraft for the first time since Apollo 17 in December 1972. NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft will carry astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen on an approximately 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth.
The launch is currently slated for April 1st and 6:47pm EDT, with a two hour window on that day. If weather or technical reasons necessitate postponement on April 1, April 2 is available.
Launch will occur from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center—the same historic pad complex that sent Apollo astronauts to the Moon aboard Apollo 10. After that, LC-39B was reconfigured for the Space Shuttle program, serving as the launch site for 53 missions. At the end of the Shuttle era, the pad was designated for Project Artemis.
The Artemis II mission will mark humanity’s return to lunar exploration with a crewed spacecraft for the first time since Apollo 17 in December 1972. NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft will carry astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen on an approximately 10-day journey around the Moon and back to Earth.
The launch window opens on February 6, 2026, with additional opportunities on February 7th, 8th, 10th, and 11th. Launch will occur from Launch Complex 39B at Kennedy Space Center—the same historic pad complex that sent Apollo astronauts to the Moon aboard Apollo 10. After that, LC-39B was reconfigured for the Space Shuttle program, serving as the launch site for 53 missions.
The rocket is at the pad, and the launch windows are as follows:
To date (January 20th) no official launch date or time has been released by NASA. Pad integration is continuing, followed by a Wet Dress Rehearsal (currently no later than February 2) and, finally, a Flight Readiness Review to evaluate the status of all aspects of the mission. If successful, permission to proceed will be granted, and a launch date and time will be officially set.
Keep that word in mind — official — because it trumps all other information.
So, while you still have some time, here’s some information about coming to town and viewing the launch:
Understanding the Launch Location
Most visitors to the Space Coast do not realize that there are actually two space launch centers in Florida: Kennedy Space Center (KSC), operated by NASA, and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS), a US Space Force base. They adjoin one another and form a contiguous area, but each has its own management and security.
Launch Complex 39B is located at Kennedy Space Center, on the northern end of the Cape. This is important for selecting your viewing location—LC-39B is significantly farther north than SpaceX’s SLC-40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which means the optimal viewing spots are different.
One of the most accurate maps there is of Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. via: NASA
For Artemis II, the Titusville area offers some of the best public viewing, as it sits almost directly across the Indian River from LC-39B. Port Canaveral and Cocoa Beach, while still offering views, are considerably farther away.
Proximity to the launch pad is important for seeing ignition and liftoff, but it matters less and less as the rocket climbs into the sky. That’s because it will be rising rapidly, affording everyone an opportunity to see it well. That being said, if you can’t get viewing tickets at the Saturn V Center, don’t fret too much — you’re going to get a great look anywhere in the Space Coast region so long as the skies are clear at launch time.
Best Public Viewing Spots for Artemis II
In a nutshell, here are some good spots to consider:
⚠️ Potential obstruction 💵 Fee, paid parking, or ticket required
Note: Distances are approximate straight-line measures to LC-39B. Access, hours, fees, and closures may change—verify before launch day.
Looking Closer at the Options
Banana Creek Viewing Area (Apollo-Saturn V Center) – ~3.75 miles
UPDATE: Tickets went on sale for KSCVC options on January 23, and sold out in 30 minutes. Check their site, but it may be too late for this option.
This is the viewing location for Artemis II. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers ticketed viewing at the Apollo-Saturn V Center, which sits almost directly across the Banana Creek from LC-39B. This is as close as the general public can get to a launch from LC-39B.
The experience includes bleacher seating, live commentary from NASA, and the unparalleled backdrop of the actual Saturn V rocket displayed inside the center. For a once-in-a-generation mission like Artemis II, this is worth the investment. If you have kids or grandkids who want to go, there are few events that are more exciting than this.
Pricing: Expect premium pricing for Artemis II—this is a historic mission. Tickets are in addition to standard KSCVC admission and parking. Prices for other premium launches have been as high as $250 per person, and it is reasonable to expect KSCVC to have similar price tags on Artemis II ducats.
Important: Read the KSCVC Scrub Policy carefully before purchasing. If the launch scrubs after you’ve used transportation to the viewing site, your ticket may be considered “used.” Contact the Visitor Complex directly with questions, they are the only ones that can give official information about their policies.
Max Brewer Bridge & Parrish Park (Titusville) – ~10.75 miles
For free public viewing, the Max Brewer Bridge area is arguably the best spot for an LC-39B launch. The elevated bridge provides clear sightlines across the Indian River directly toward the launch pad. Parrish Park at the base of the bridge offers parking and waterfront access.
Arrive extremely early. For a mission of this magnitude, expect the bridge and surrounding areas to fill up many hours—potentially the night before for a daytime launch. The February launch windows are evening opportunities and that may attract even larger crowds. Parking will be in high demand, and the early birds get the best spots.
Stay tuned for news about closures and plans that the city may have for Max Brewer.
Space View Park (Titusville) – ~11.1 miles
Space View Park is one of the most famous public viewing locations on the Space Coast, featuring the Space Walk of Fame and often hosting live NASA audio feeds during launches.
The park sits on the Indian River, with direct views of Kennedy Space Center. It’s across the Max Brewer Bridge from the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge entrance to Kennedy Space Center and is one of the closest off-base sites you can view the launch from.
For Artemis II, expect this park to be packed. Arrive as early as possible. The park has restrooms and is walking distance from downtown Titusville restaurants and shops.
Rotary Riverfront Park (Titusville) – ~11.5 miles
A popular local alternative to the more crowded Space View Park, Rotary Riverfront Park offers similar views with typically easier parking. It’s a good choice for families or those who want a slightly less hectic experience, but it too will be crowded for Artemis II.
Kennedy Point Park (Titusville) – ~ 11.75 miles
Located next to a marina, Kennedy Point Park offers a long stretch of riverfront with ample space for tripods and photography equipment. It’s less well-known than Space View Park, making it a good option for those seeking a bit more elbow room.
William J. Manzo Memorial Park – ~12 miles
A hidden gem, this small riverfront park offers unexpectedly great views across the Indian River. Small is the operative word, so it will be a good idea to settle in early here if that’s your plan.
Space Bar (Titusville) – ~12.1 miles
If you want to combine launch viewing with food and drinks, Space Bar’s rooftop offers excellent views toward LC-39B. Check their website for more information as the launch approaches , and expect it to be crowded for Artemis II.
Reservations, if available, would be very wise.
KARS Park – ~14.5 miles
UPDATE: KARS Park announced on February 2nd that they will not be open to the general public for launch viewing of Artemis II.
KARS Park is located on Kennedy Space Center property and offers good views across the water toward LC-39B, even if you are looking along the shoreline a long way. KARS is a great place to see the rocket after it lifts off as it is on the banks of the Banana River with a clear view over Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Entry requires a fee, and you must verify the park’s status before launch day—access to KSC property can be restricted for major launches. Unauthorized entry is trespassing on federal property.
KARS will be crowded, but it will be out ahead of the crowd after the launch.
The Port Canaveral viewing spots—including SR-528 pull-offs and Jetty Park—are farther from LC-39B than from the Cape Canaveral launch pads. You’ll still see the launch clearly, but the experience will be much less dramatic than viewing from Titusville.
Jetty Park remains a good family-friendly option with beach access, a pier, and amenities. Just be aware that cruise ships or port infrastructure can occasionally obstruct views. That’s not as likely for a night launch in February as it might be for day launches in later windows.
Cocoa Beach – ~20+ miles
Alan Shepard Park and Cocoa Beach Pier offer views of the launch, but at 20 miles distance, the rocket will appear smaller. These locations are better suited for casual viewing than for diehard space fans who want to be in the middle of the action.
Tips for Artemis II Viewing
Arrive early—very early. This is the first crewed Moon mission in over 50 years. Public interest will be enormous. For popular locations like Space View Park and Max Brewer Bridge, consider arriving the night before for a morning launch, or at least 4-6 hours early.
Check the launch time. The February 2026 window includes several potential dates. NASA will confirm the actual launch date after the wet dress rehearsal (scheduled for no later than February 2). Monitor NASA’s Artemis blog for updates.
Sound travels slowly, about 5 miles per second. At 7 miles, expect the sound to reach you about 35 seconds after liftoff. At 15 umiles, it’s over a minute. Be patient—the rumble is worth the wait.
Have a well-charged smartphone to keep up with the status of the launch. Social media sites from official sources can be invaluable, as are livestreams on Youtube. NASA, Spaceflight Now and NASA Spaceflight are three of the best. NASA’s stream is, of course, the official one.
Bring essentials: Chairs, sunscreen (even in February), water, snacks, and binoculars. A camera with a telephoto lens will help capture the rocket as it climbs*. You won’t need the chairs if you have tickets to view at Kennedy Space Center, nor will you need water and snacks because they will be nearby.
SLS is loud. The Space Launch System generates 8.8 million pounds of thrust at liftoff—more than the venerable Saturn V. Even from Titusville, you’re going to feel its low frequency rumbles deep in your chest. Some say it is ground-shaking, but that’s apocryphal except for viewers at the Saturn V Center.
Car Alarms Get Set Off By Launches. Don’t be surprised if it’s yours.
Plan for a lot of traffic leaving: build in time to get out of the viewing areas after the launch. Traffic will be bad everywhere. It’s simply a part of the viewing experience.
* I recommend NOT trying to photograph the launch, as watching it is a visceral experience not to be missed. Buy one of the prints that will be for sale later.
What You’ll Witness
Artemis II will send four astronauts farther from Earth than any humans have ever traveled. Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen will loop around the Moon before returning to Earth at approximately 25,000 mph—the fastest any humans have ever reentered Earth’s atmosphere.
Victor Glover will become the first person of color to travel to the Moon. Christina Koch will become the first woman. Jeremy Hansen will become the first non-American. All of them might end up as the farthest-traveling crew to date.
Artemis II crew. Photo: NASA
Standing on the shores of the Indian River or the sands of Cocoa Beach, you’ll watch the 322-foot-tall rocket rise on twin pillars of flame from the launch pad. LC-39B has been used in the past for Saturn V Apollo missions as well as Space Shuttle missions.
The ground won’t shake from 7 miles away—that’s a myth—but the deep rumble of those solid rocket boosters rolling across the water is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Artemis II on January 17, 2026 as it exits the VAB at KSC. Photo: Charles Boyer
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