Photo: Charles Boyer / ToT
SpaceX plans to launch another tranche of Starlink satellites from Pad LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center tomorrow morning aboard a Falcon 9. The launch window opens at 10:42 AM EDT and extends four hours until 2:42 PM EDT the same day. The first stage booster will land downrange around 8.5 minutes after liftoff.
For visitors to the Space Coast, this is a great opportunity to see a launch from either Playalinda Beach or at the Banana Creek Viewing Site at Kennedy Space Center Visitors Center. Both viewing locations are as close as spectators can get to the launching rocket and are superb experiences for families. In other words, this is one not to miss.
Payload
23 Starlink satellites, to be used in SpaceX’s orbital-based Internet service.
Photo: SpaceX
Weather
The 45th Weather Squadron forecasts a 10% chance of creating a Range Violation Sunday, meaning a better than 90% chance of acceptable conditions. On Thursday, the backup launch day, conditions remain at 90% “Go” in the 45th’s forecast.
In their forecast discussion, the 45th’s forecasters say “[T]here will be only a slight chance of Cumulus Cloud Rule violation at sea breeze onset during the midday hours. For the backup day, the ridge persists across the central portions of the state, so the only concern for the launch window will be for the Cumulus Cloud Rule with seabreeze onset once again.”
In other words, just about as good as it gets for the Space Coast in May.
Sky Cover
The National Weather Center is calling for cloud cover of only 07-15% tomorrow morning at the opening of the launch window. Expect blue skies and bright sunshine.
Trajectory
Falcon 9 will take a southeasterly direction tonight, as is customary for Group 6 Starlink missions.
Given that the flight is immediately offshore with no return to launch site, there will be no sonic boom from the launch on the Space Coast.
Booster: Unknown
SpaceX has not announced which booster will be used tomorrow. Check back later for more details, we will add this information as it becomes available.
Landing
Per SpaceX, “Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas’ droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.”
After touching down on ‘A Shortfall of Gravitas,’ the booster will be returned to Port Canaveral after a few days, where it will be offloaded and transported to SpaceX’s Hangar X facility at Kennedy Space Center, where it will be inspected, refurbished and possibly prepared for another next flight.
Watching Online
SpaceCoastLaunchCalendar.com will have a livestream of the launch if you’re not able to watch the launch in person: Livestream
SpaceX will have a livestream of the launch on their website: Starlink 6-56. This will also be available on the X platform.
Spaceflight Now will have coverage of the launch starting about one hour before liftoff on Youtube: link
Launch Viewing: In Person
Today’s launch is from LC-39A at Kennedy Space Center.
Other than The Banana Creek Viewing Site or Playalinda Beach, the best direct views of liftoff are at either the Max Brewer Bridge in Titusville, or the northern parks on US-1 in Titusville.
KSC Visitors Center: Banana Creek Viewing Site
Photo: Charles Boyer / ToT
Free with admission (parking plus KSCVC tickets)
This is the best possible view of tomorrow’s launch, better even (in my opinion) than Playalinda Beach because you can see ignition and the initial liftoff. That’s not to say that being on the beach close to a launch is not awesome; it is, but Banana Creek has some perks: full plumbing in the bathrooms, a cafe with food and drinks, cell signal, and a launch expert providing information. It’s very kid-friendly.
If you plan to go, get there early to ensure that Banana Creek is not already at capacity, and also to enter the main visitor’s center, line up for a bus to transport you to the Apollo Saturn Center and then to unload and make your way to the provided bleachers.
Titusville Parks With Good Launch Views
Restaurants With Good Launch Views
- The Space Bar ($$$$) – atop the Courtyard Marriott near Kennedy Parkway
- New York New York ($$) – on the Indian River with an outdoor seating area. Is family-friendly.
- Shiloh’s does not open until 4pm on Wednesday
Playalinda Beach
Photo: Charles Boyer / ToT
Playalinda Beach out on the Cape Canaveral National Seashore will be open to spectators, that is, if KSC Security and the National Park Service allow viewers for the launch. This varies from launch to launch, but as a general rule, they have allowed spectators to watch Starlink launches from the beach. You could be as close as 4.25 miles from the launch pad at liftoff.
Generally speaking, spectators have been allowed at Playalinda if the mission is not a national-security mission (for example, a National Reconnaissance Office payload) or a NASA mission. That’s not a certainty, however, and it would be wise to call ahead before making the trip out.
Cape Canaveral National Seashore Phone: 386 428-3384 x0
If you are going to Playalinda, and if it is open, remember:
- Get there at least two hours early, or better, earlier than that. Lines are long at the entry gate and they will only allow as many spectator vehicles as there are parking space available.
- If the launch L-0 time is moved to after 8PM, you must leave Playalinda, as the National Park Service is very strict about closing hours.
- Cape Canaveral National Seashore has a fee to get in and cash is not accepted. Debit and credit cards are okay, or if you have one of the National Park Service’s passes for the Seashore or the National Parks, that will work as well.
- Cellphone service is spotty at best and often non-existent at Playalinda. Don’t count on your cellphone to keep up with the launch; you might get a signal, or you might not.
- You are not allowed to view from the pullouts on Beach Road. Stanchions will block them. You’ll have to park and go to the beach.
- Refreshments are not available. There are no stores at Cape Canaveral National Seashore, so you’ll need to bring drinks and food if you want any while you’re there.
- Rangers will keep you back a certain distance from the launch area. If the beach is open, you’ll still be unable to go down to the fence that demarcates the normal security zone. There’s a line that spectators can’t go past somewhat north of the fence. That’s for safety and security.
Also, as part of both Kennedy Space Center and the US Park system, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is under federal jurisdiction and that means if you happen to get a ticket out there, you’ll be heading to federal court. Best thing to do is strictly obey traffic laws. Don’t speed!
If you’re not planning to go to Playalinda, the best direct views of liftoff are at either at the northern Titusville parks off of US1 / Washington Avenue. the Max Brewer Bridge in Titusville, or the northern parks on US-1 in Titusville.
After liftoff, when Falcon 9 clears any obstructions, the ascending rocket will also be visible on Cocoa Beach, Cocoa Beach Pier, and Jetty Park Pier. If you choose to view from Jetty Park, keep in mind that there is an entrance fee and that cash is not accepted. You’ll be turned around if you get to the entrance without the required pass. (link)
The ascending rocket will also be visible on the beaches after liftoff when Falcon 9 clears any obstructions.
Important To Remember
Launch times can and do change, with cancelations quite possible up to the moment of liftoff. Stay up to date by tuning into the launch coverage (links above) and be patient if the launch is delayed or even scrubbed.