This morning, NASA officially announced a no earlier than March 6th target launch date for Artemis II. That date is contingent on completion of some work at the launch pad, and a positive result from the upcoming Launch Readiness Review, which is scheduled for late next week.
SpaceX launched Falcon 9 early this morning, sending four astronauts on NASA’s Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station occurred at 5:15 AM ET, with NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev aboard Crew Dragon capsule ‘Freedom.’
United Launch Alliance successfully launched its Vulcan Centaur rocket early Thursday morning, carrying a national security payload for the U.S. Space Force on the USSF-87 mission.
Liftoff occurred at 4:22 AM ET from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, about midway through a two-hour window that opened at 3:30 AM.
SpaceX plans to build a particle accelerator facility in Florida. The 230 MeV cyclotron 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.”
A job posting from SpaceX on ZipRecruiter is looking for an Electronics Test Engineer, and provides additional details.
“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.
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.
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
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.
Until now, aerospace companies including SpaceX have relied on a small number of external facilities to perform this testing. The Texas A&M Cyclotron Institute’s Radiation Effects Facility and the 88-Inch Cyclotron at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have been the primary U.S. facilities, serving clients including SpaceX, Blue Origin, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and NASA — all competing for limited beam time.
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.
The National Park Service has released an update concerning the status of Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge during launch campaign for Artemis II
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
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
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.
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:
Canaveral National Seashore – Playlinda – National Park Service
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – National Park Service
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.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚀 Approved Operations | |
| Annual Limits |
Approved 44 launches • 88 landings (44 Super Heavy + 44 Starship) • 88 static fires
|
| 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
|
| 📋 Public Notice & Coordination | |
| Notifications | Launch schedules via news outlets, KSC SIMS, NASASpaceflight.com, Florida Today app, Brevard County Emergency Mgmt |
| Claims | Property damage: insurance@spacex.com (SpaceX carries insurance per Commercial Space Launch Act) |
| Annual Meetings |
Required USFWS: Jan 1–31 annually (NASA, SpaceX, FAA, USFWS, NPS, USSF) • NHPA: November annually |
| Record of Decision: SpaceX Starship-Super Heavy at LC-39A, KSC | Signed: Jan 29, 2026 by Katie L. Cranor, FAA | FAA Project Page | |
Updated today:
| Status | Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete | Notice of Intent PublishedFAA | May 10, 2024 | FAA initiated the EIS process via Federal Register publication |
| Complete | Public Scoping PeriodFAA | May–Jun 2024 | Public input gathered on scope of environmental review; ended June 24, 2024 |
| Complete | Draft EIS ReleasedFAA | Aug 4, 2025 | Draft EIS published for up to 44 launches and 44 landings per year |
| Complete | Draft EIS Comment PeriodFAA | Aug 4–Sep 29, 2025 | Hearings at KSC (Aug 26), Cape Canaveral (Aug 28), virtual (Sept 3); view comments |
| Complete | Final EIS PublicationFAA | Jan 30, 2026 | Final EIS published addressing all public comments |
| Complete | Record of Decision (ROD)FAA | Jan 30, 2026 | ROD issued with decision, mitigations, and monitoring requirements |
| Ongoing | Infrastructure CompletionSpaceX | Mid-2026 (proj.) | Launch mount (installed Nov 2025), tank farm, deluge system, chopstick upgrades |
| Pending | Vehicle Operator LicenseFAA | Expected 2026 | New or modified launch license for Starship-Super Heavy at LC-39A; FAA project page |
| Upcoming | First Starship LaunchSpaceX | 2026 (targeted) | Initial vehicles transported from Starbase, Texas via barge |
| Lead Agency: FAA | Cooperating: NASA, Dept. of Air Force, Coast Guard, Fish & Wildlife, National Park Service | Updated: Jan 30, 2026 | |||
The original documents are at the FAA’s Project Website, located here
For those who are interested in reading the minutiae of the Decision, here is a list of links to all available documents:
After more than 50 years since the last Apollo mission, NASA is preparing to send astronauts back to the Moon. Artemis II, targeted for launch no earlier than February 6, 2026, will mark humanity’s first crewed journey to lunar orbit since 1972. The 10-day mission will carry four astronauts around the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft, launched by NASA’s powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket from Pad LC-39B from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
The crew includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (commander), Victor Glover (pilot), and Christina Koch (mission specialist), along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. This mission represents several historic firsts: Glover will become the first person of color to travel to deep space, Koch will be the first woman to venture beyond low Earth orbit, and Hansen will be the first non-American to journey to the Moon. There is also the possibility that the Artemis II crew will set a new record for the furthest humans away from Earth, but that is dependent on several different mission factors and has yet to be determined.
The Space Coast, and Kennedy Space Center is roughly fifty miles east of Orlando, Florida.
Flight options include Orlando, Melbourne, Florida and Sanford, Florida. Most people use Orlando.
Driving is straightforward: from the north or south of KSC, I-95 is the best way to get here. From Orlando and points west, FL-528, sometimes called “The Beachline” is the fastest route.
The SLS rocket completed its rollout to Launch Pad 39B on January 17, 2026. NASA is targeting a launch window that opens February 6, 2026, with backup opportunities on February 7, 8, 10, and 11. Additional launch windows are available in March (6, 7, 8, 9, and 11) and April (1, 3, 4, 5, and 6) if needed.
Important: Standard daily admission tickets and annual passes will NOT be valid for Artemis II launch viewing. Special launch viewing packages are required and typically include access for two launch attempt dates, a 30-day return visit to the Visitor Complex, and commemorative items.
For the latest information on launch viewing ticket availability, visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex website and sign up for email alerts. Viewing locations include the Atlantis North Lawn and the Apollo/Saturn V Center at Banana Creek, which offers views across the water toward Launch Pad 39B.
This is an article unto itself: click here.
The Space Coast offers accommodations ranging from beachfront resorts to budget-friendly options near I-95. Book early for launch events, as hotels fill quickly.
Titusville is the closest community to Kennedy Space Center and offers excellent views of launches from along the Indian River. The city is home to Space View Park, a popular free launch viewing location.
Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center – Features The Space Bar, a rooftop bar with spectacular views of the Kennedy Space Center launch pads. Space-themed rooms, resort-style pool, and on-site dining.
Hyatt Place Titusville / Kennedy Space Center – The closest hotel to the space center with spacious family-friendly rooms, some featuring launch views. Near the American Space Museum and Walk of Fame.
Hampton Inn Titusville/I-95 Kennedy Space Center – Located directly off I-95, about 12 miles from KSC. Free hot breakfast, outdoor pool, and free WiFi. Pet-friendly.
Holiday Inn Titusville – Kennedy Space Center – Features The Local Kitchen & Tap restaurant, outdoor pool, and 24-hour fitness center. Pet-friendly with on-site meeting facilities.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Titusville Kennedy Space Center – Free breakfast, outdoor pool, and fitness center. Conveniently located near Lockheed, NASA, and Boeing facilities.
Budget options include the Comfort Suites Titusville, Quality Inn Kennedy Space Center, and Days Inn by Wyndham Titusville Kennedy Space Center, all offering free breakfast and easy I-95 access. Some are better than others, and in all cases, paying careful attention to reviews is a wise idea.
Port St. John is a residential community located just south of Titusville, offering a quieter alternative with easy access to Kennedy Space Center. While the community has limited hotel options within its borders, nearby hotels in Titusville (about 3 miles north) and Cocoa (about 5 miles south) provide convenient accommodations.
The Courtyard by Marriott Titusville and Fairfield Inn & Suites Titusville are among the closest major hotels to Port St. John.
Cocoa Beach is Florida’s quintessential surf town, offering oceanfront accommodations, the iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, and a vibrant dining and entertainment scene. It’s approximately 20 minutes from Kennedy Space Center.
Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront – Steps from the beach and minutes from Port Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center. Beautiful ocean views from most rooms, on-site dining, and pool.
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort – Luxurious two-bedroom suites with direct beach access. Features the Wakulla Water Play Experience with lazy river, tiki bar, and complimentary shuttle to Cocoa Beach Pier. Pet-friendly.
The Inn at Cocoa Beach – Consistently rated #1 on TripAdvisor for Cocoa Beach. This 50-room oceanfront boutique hotel offers complimentary breakfast, beach chairs and umbrellas, and an honor bar. Adults-only atmosphere.
Beachside Hotel & Suites Cocoa Beach – Port Canaveral – Features a lazy river pool, Duck Dive poolside bar, and retro Florida vibe. Free bike and beach rentals. Popular for pre-cruise stays with Park N Cruise packages available. Pet-friendly.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Cocoa Beach Oceanfront – Beachfront location with balconies offering ocean views. Free hot breakfast and walking distance to Cocoa Beach Pier.
Additional options include Hampton Inn Cocoa Beach, Courtyard by Marriott Cocoa Beach Cape Canaveral, and Four Points by Sheraton Cocoa Beach.
Cape Canaveral sits adjacent to Port Canaveral and offers convenient access to both cruise terminals and Kennedy Space Center. Many hotels here cater to cruise passengers and space enthusiasts alike.
Hyatt Place Cape Canaveral – Features rooftop Altitude360 bar with 360-degree views perfect for watching rocket launches. Modern rooms, outdoor pool, and The Placery restaurant. Pet-friendly with treats at check-in.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Cape Canaveral-Cocoa Beach – All-suite hotel with fully equipped kitchens, free hot breakfast, and complimentary Wednesday evening social. One mile from cruise ports and close to Kennedy Space Center. Features tiki bar and Peloton bikes.
SpringHill Suites Cape Canaveral Cocoa Beach – All-suite hotel with separate sleep, work, and relaxation areas. Complimentary breakfast, on-site restaurant, pool, and fire pit. Minutes from Port Canaveral.
Holiday Inn Express Cape Canaveral – Located near Terminal 3 at Port Canaveral with splash zone pool and cabanas. Free hot breakfast. Just 15 miles from Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
Additional options include Hilton Garden Inn Cape Canaveral, Hampton Inn & Suites Cape Canaveral Cruise Port, and Country Inn & Suites by Radisson Port Canaveral.
Merritt Island sits between the mainland and the barrier islands, offering Indian River views and proximity to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
Island Hotel of the Space Coast – A local option on Merritt Island offering convenient access to Kennedy Space Center.
Vacation rentals – Many visitors opt for vacation rental homes on Merritt Island, which can offer river access and private launch viewing from docks and yards.
The southern end of Cocoa Beach provides a quieter beach atmosphere while still offering easy access to Kennedy Space Center and Port Canaveral.
South Beach Inn – A charming beachfront option with a relaxed atmosphere. Pet-friendly with oceanfront rooms available.
Beachside Hotel & Suites – Located close to Patrick Space Force Base, offering a lazy river pool and convenient beach access. Great for families.
Just on the other side of Patrick Space Force Base, Satellite Beach is a quiet community with some decent restaurants and beaches. The area is not a resort area like Cocoa Beach, but it does have one good option for travelers: Paradise Beach Club Rentals.
Located south of Melbourne Beach, Indialantic offers a quieter beach experience. It’s farther from Kennedy Space Center (about 45 minutes) but provides a more relaxed atmosphere.
Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront – A full-service oceanfront resort with multiple restaurants, pools, and spa services. Excellent for those who want to combine launch viewing with a beach resort experience.
DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Melbourne Beach Oceanfront – All-suite oceanfront property with full kitchens and private balconies.
Tuckaway Shores Resort – Boutique beachfront resort with a laid-back vibe and direct beach access.
Windemere Inn by the Sea – A bed-and-breakfast style inn right on the beach, offering a more intimate experience.
The Space Coast offers diverse dining options, from waterfront seafood to Southern soul food. Here are some local favorites across the region, but don’t be afraid to explore the many other options — there are just too many good restaurants to name in a single article.
That said, in no particular order of preference:
Playalinda Brewing Company – Brix Project (5220 S Washington Ave) – A 16,000-square-foot craft brewery and restaurant in a renovated lumberyard with 20 rotating taps, wood-fired grill, and beer garden. Creative elevated pub fare from Executive Chef Justin Medina pairs perfectly with award-winning craft beers. Outdoor patio is pet-friendly. Weekend brunch, Tuesday trivia, and live music events.
Loyd Have Mercy (3434 S Washington Ave) – Family-owned soul food restaurant serving homestyle Southern fare since 2013. Known for fried chicken with mac & cheese, BBQ meatloaf, collard greens, and sweet potato cake. Owner Loyd creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere with occasional live jazz. Lunch and dinner with catering available. Closed Mondays.
New York New York (5401 Riveredge Dr) – Italian-American dining with views across the Indian River toward Kennedy Space Center. A local favorite for watching launches from the restaurant. Don’t go here expecting fancy — it’s not, and that’s the way the locals like it. Don’t be put off by the weathered facade either – the food is great, the staff helpful and locals are friendly.
El Leoncito (4280 S Washington Ave) – Family-owned Mexican and Cuban restaurant serving the community for over 18 years. Features a patio overlooking the Indian River with views toward the space center. Jeff Bezos has eaten here, as have more astronauts than you can count. Take some time to look at the photos on the wall, you will be surprised at the sheer number of VIPs and celebrities who’ve eaten here.
Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill (610 Glen Cheek Dr) – Waterfront dining with views of cruise ships and the Canaveral Barge Canal. Known for fresh seafood, Caribbean-influenced dishes, and a laid-back tiki bar atmosphere. Their outdoor deck offers excellent views for rocket launches. Live music most evenings.
Gator’s Dockside (683 Dave Nisbet Dr) Waterfront dining across the port from SpaceX’s wharf where it unloads Falcon 9 boosters and fairings. The food is good, staff is friendly and this place is a go-to for a lot of locals.
Coconuts on the Beach (2 Minutemen Cswy) – Iconic oceanfront bar and restaurant right on the sand in downtown Cocoa Beach. Fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, and live music with stunning Atlantic views. Try the coconut crusted shrimp or fresh catch of the day. Tiki huts, full bar, and legendary sunset vibes make this a must-visit for any Space Coast trip. First come, first served – no reservations.
The Tiny Turtle (249 Minutemen Cswy) – Award-winning Caribbean fusion restaurant in the heart of downtown Cocoa Beach. Chef Moises Correa brings Puerto Rican heritage to creative dishes like island pork tacos, sofrito bowls, and the famous Tripleta sandwich. Recognized as a Surfrider Ocean Friendly Restaurant for sustainability efforts. Full bar with craft cocktails, outdoor tiki seating, and pet-friendly patio. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
4th Street Fillin Station (382 N Orlando Ave) – A unique gastropub housed in a converted 1950s gas station. Known for creative craft beers, elevated bar food, and homemade ice cream. The retro atmosphere and outdoor seating make it a local favorite.
Book accommodations early as possible. Hotels fill up quickly for major launches, especially historic missions like Artemis II. Consider booking refundable rates in case of launch delays.
Don’t book until a launch date is announced. Launch dates and times are highly variable and they can and will change often. Rely on official sources for the best information. If you can book and cancel without penalty, things are different, of course, but there have been more than a few folks who booked a vacation around a launch only to learn that the launch date has been changed due to one reason or another.
Sign up for alerts. Register at kennedyspacecenter.com to receive email notifications about launch-viewing ticket availability.
Have backup plans. Launches can be delayed due to weather or technical issues. Build flexibility into your travel dates if possible. Refer to the launch window chart below for potential launch dates.
Explore the area. Even if you’re primarily here for the launch, take time to visit the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, the Sands Space History Center, the American Space Museum, and the beautiful beaches of the Space Coast.
Cocoa Village is the historic downtown district of Cocoa, Florida, located along the Indian River. It features unique shopping, restaurants and even a pirate museum that make a visit well worth the time.
There may be other launches: The Eastern Range is a very busy place, with over 100 launches per year. Most of those are SpaceX flights, and they make for remarkable viewing, especially if you’ve never seen a launch. Refer to Upcoming Florida Launches for more information.
Arrive early on launch day. Traffic will be heavy, and you’ll want to secure your viewing spot well in advance of the scheduled launch time. “Well in advance” means hours, not minutes, so be sure to have what you need to get you through the wait: a cellphone for keeping up with launch news, bug spray, chairs, refreshments and the like.
SLS began its slow and deliberate journey to Launch Pad 39B from the Vehical Assembly Building (VAB) early Saturday morning at Kennedy Space Center, marking a major milestone in the agency’s quest to return astronauts to the Moon for the first time in more than half a century.
The 322-foot-tall rocket emerged from the cavernous Vehicle Assembly Building at 7:04 a.m. EST, carried atop Crawler-Transporter 2 for the four-mile trek to the historic launch complex. The combined stack — rocket, Orion capsule, and mobile launcher — weighs approximately 11 million pounds and is traveling at a top speed of just under one mile per hour, with the journey expected to take between eight and twelve hours. At the time of this writing, that journey is still underway and should conclude late this afternoon or early this evening.
Hundreds of space center workers, family members, and guests gathered along the crawlerway to witness the spectacle as the towering white rocket inched past against a clear Florida sky. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and the four Artemis II astronauts were on hand to mark the occasion.
“Wow. LETS GO!!!” Commander Reid Wiseman posted on X alongside a photo of the rocket moving out of the VAB. In a subsequent post, he called the SLS and Orion “engineering art.”
Once the rocket reaches Launch Pad 39B, teams will immediately begin connecting ground support equipment, including electrical lines, environmental control system ducts, and cryogenic propellant feeds. Engineers will then power up the integrated systems for the first time to verify everything functions properly with the mobile launcher and pad infrastructure.
A wet dress rehearsal is scheduled for late January or early February. During this critical test, ground crews will load more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen into the rocket’s tanks and conduct multiple countdown sequences, including several holds and recycles in the final minutes to validate launch procedures.
Artemis Launch Director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson said a February launch remains possible but emphasized that the timeline depends on the outcome of upcoming testing. “We need to get through wet dress,” she said during a pre-rollout briefing yesterday.
NASA’s launch window opens February 6, with additional opportunities on February 7, 8, 10, and 11. Due to the orbital mechanics governing the mission’s trajectory to the Moon, only about one week of launch opportunities exists each month, followed by roughly three weeks without viable windows.
The Artemis II rollout is scheduled to begin no earlier than 7 AM ET NASA tomorrow (Saturday, January 17). The four-mile journey from the VAB to Launch Pad 39B should take between 8-12 hours at about one mile per hour, so you’ll have a long window to get a glimpse of the proceedings as they happen.
Playalinda Beach will be ideal since it’s the closest public land to both the VAB and Pad 39B (as close as 3.6 miles to 39B from the parking lots). Lot 1 (the southermost) gives you the best angle toward the crawlerway route.
While the National Park Service has not announced any specific closures related to the rollout, it would be a good idea to call ahead to confirm that Playalinda is open and has not reached capacity. That’s when all the parking lots are full, and if it reaches that level of attendance, new entrants are denied. Also, keep in mind that an entrance fee is required. The best way to pay for that is to visit the NPS website here.
The Titusville waterfront on the Indian River is another great place to see Artemis II emerging and then heading towards LC-39B. The parks are free, there’s plenty of parking, with food and other options nearby.
Space View Park – Free, always open, and directly across the water with views of both the VAB and 39B
Max Brewer Bridge itself offers an elevated perspective if you can access it on foot (often closed to traffic for launches, but rollouts may be different).
Rotary Riverfront Park – a favorite for launch viewers, this easy-in, easy-out location off of US-1 will be a great spot to see Artemis II.
William J. Manzo Memorial Park one of Titusville’s lesser known parks, this location has a great view across the river to the VAB and LC-39B.
KSC Visitor Complex – They don’t appear to be offering special rollout viewing packages, and the VAB obstructs direct sightlines from many spots there anyway, so later in the day may be the best time to try to view Artemis II.
The Saturn V Center is the closest public facility within the complex grounds, but it is unclear if tour buses will be affected by the rocket move. Assuming everything works out and the public can get to the SVC, it will be a nice day after a cool start, so that may be the best option. Enquire at KSCVC for more information — things change fast around Kennedy Space Center and we do not want to mislead anyone by posting old or incorrect info.
Since the rollout is a slow, multi-hour event rather than a blink-and-miss-it launch, you’ve got flexibility. About an hour after rollout begins, the rocket is expected to emerge from the VAB, offering the public its first full look at the United State’s first crewed moon rocket in over fifty years. Arriving around 8 a.m. should let you see it emerge and begin the trek to the launch pad. If you arrive at 10am, that’s fine, the rocket will have traveled only part of the way.
NASA has published its launch window availability for Artemis II, the agency’s first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years, with opportunities spanning February through April 2026. The Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft are scheduled to roll out from the Vehicle Assembly Building to Launch Complex 39B NET January 17th.
The four-mile journey aboard Crawler-Transporter 2 will take up to 12 hours before the integrated launch structure and rocket arrive at their final destination.
After Artemis II is rolled out to LC39B, engineers and technicians will start pad integration tasks, including connecting essential ground support equipment such as electrical lines, environmental control system ducts, and cryogenic propellant feeds. After those tasks are successfully completed, teams will then power up all integrated systems for the first time at the pad.
All windows are 120 minutes, except for March 11th, which offers a slightly shorter 115-minute window.
The published windows reflect careful consideration of lighting conditions, so that Orion is not in darkness for more than 90 minutes at a time post-launch, therefore allowing its solar arrays to keep generating power and the spacecraft to stay within its thermal limits. Dates that would put Orion into extended eclipses are removed from consideration.
Another consideration is that the launch window constraints ensure optimal conditions for tracking cameras and abort scenarios during the critical ascent phase.
NASA notes all dates remain subject to adjustments as the mission progresses through final preparations.
The earliest available launch window opens on February 6, 2026, at 9:41 pm ET, with a 2-hour window. Launch opportunities continue through February 11th, followed by a brief gap, then resume mid-month. Each window in the February series shifts progressively later into the night, with the final February opportunity on the 11th occurring at 1:05 AM EST.
Should weather or technical issues prevent a February launch, NASA has identified windows throughout March and April. The March series begins on the 6th at 8:29 PM ET, while April windows open as early as 6:24 PM ET on April 1st—notably the only daytime launch opportunity in the released schedule, occurring approximately 1.3 hours before sunset.
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