Florida Rocket Launch: Top Viewing Spots and Liftoff Schedule

SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink broadband satellites on Tuesday, April 14. Liftoff is scheduled for 3:59 a.m. ET from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Launch details and viewing conditions

The rocket will follow a northeast trajectory. Sonic booms are not expected for this mission.

Visibility depends on weather and cloud cover. On clear nights or in early morning, the plume and contrail create striking photos.

Liftoff schedule and range

The launch window opens at 3:59 a.m. ET on April 14. Residents across Brevard County have the best chance of seeing the event.

Under favorable conditions, viewers may spot the launch as far north as Jacksonville Beach. Sightings can extend south to West Palm Beach.

Live coverage and reporting

Filmogaz.com will begin live coverage 90 minutes before liftoff. The live blog will include a countdown clock and regular updates.

Reporters and visuals journalists on the Space Team include Rick Neale, Brooke Edwards, Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt.

Top viewing spots on the Space Coast

Beachfront locations often provide the clearest sightlines. Below are recommended spots across Brevard County.

• Jetty Park Beach and Pier, 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral. Parking fees may apply.
• Playalinda Beach, 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Access can be limited by capacity.
• Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Parking on both bridge sides.
• Space View Park, 8 Broad St., Titusville.
• Sand Point Park, 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville.
• Rotary Riverfront Park, 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville.
• Riverfront Park at Cocoa Village, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa.
• Cocoa Village docks and nearby parks.
• Various parks on Merritt Island, including Rotary Park, 1899 S. Courtenay Parkway.
• Kiwanis Park on Kiwanis Island Park Road, Merritt Island.
• Port Canaveral waterfront, with cruise ships often visible in the foreground.
• Alan Shepard Park, 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach.
• Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. Parking fees vary.
• Lori Wilson Park, 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Features a dog park.
• Sidney Fischer Park, 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach.
• Downtown Cocoa Beach near Minutemen Causeway.
• Tables Beach, 197 SR A1A, Satellite Beach.
• The Tides on SR A1A, Satellite Beach, and other Satellite Beach parks.
• Pineda Causeway and Eau Gallie Causeway viewing points.
• Front Street Park near Melbourne at U.S. 192 and U.S. 1.
• Indialantic boardwalk at the Melbourne Causeway and SR A1A.
• Paradise Beach Park (Howard Futch Park), 2301 SR A1A, Melbourne.
• Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach. There is an entrance fee.

Viewing tips

Arrive early to secure parking and a clear view. Expect fees at some locations.

Do not block traffic or bridge rights of way. Follow posted beach and park rules.

Watch virtually

NASA+ streams launches on its site and YouTube. The service also appears as a FAST channel on Prime Video.

NASA+ content does not require a Prime subscription when accessed through the Prime Video FAST channel.

This Florida rocket launch offers top viewing spots and a clear liftoff schedule to help plan your experience. Check Filmogaz.com for live updates and final timing information before you go.