SpaceX and NASA have set their sights on a rocket launch for the PACE spacecraft, scheduled for 1:33 a.m. EST on Wednesday, February 6. The launch will take place at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, with the PACE satellite being carried by a Falcon 9 rocket. However, the launch was postponed due to high winds at the Falcon 9 first-stage booster landing zone. The new target date for the launch is now Thursday, February 8.
The decision to delay the launch was made by the Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron, which cited liftoff winds and cumulus clouds as the reasons for the postponement. The odds of favorable weather conditions for the second attempt are currently at 50-50. SpaceX has reported that the first-stage booster will aim to land back at the Space Force base approximately 7 minutes and 32 seconds after liftoff, causing late-night sonic booms in Brevard County.
For those interested in watching the live coverage of the rocket launch, FLORIDA TODAY’s Space Team will be providing updates on their website, floridatoday.com/space, starting about 90 minutes before liftoff.
If you happen to be in Brevard County, Florida, there are several locations where you can catch a glimpse of the rocket launch. The best views can be found along the beach, although visibility will depend on weather conditions. It is important to follow posted rules at beaches and avoid blocking traffic or rights of way on bridges.
If you are viewing the launch from the Indian River in Titusville, look east directly across the river. Further south along the Indian River, look northeast. Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore is the closest spot to view liftoff as it is almost parallel to launch pad 39A. From the beach, look south along the coastline.
There are several hotspots in the area that are recommended for watching the launch. Jetty Park Beach and Pier in Port Canaveral offers a great view, although there is a parking fee. Playalinda Beach in Canaveral National Seashore is another popular spot, but note that there is a charge to park and access may be restricted depending on capacity and time of day. Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park in Titusville offer parking on both sides of the bridge. Space View Park and Sand Point Park in Titusville, as well as Rotary Riverfront Park in Titusville, are also good options.
If you are in Volusia, you can still catch a glimpse of the launch. Alan Shepard Park in Cocoa Beach, Cocoa Beach Pier, Lori Wilson Park in Cocoa Beach, Sidney Fischer Park in Cocoa Beach, Sebastian Inlet Park in Melbourne Beach, Ambersands Beach Park in Vero Beach, South Beach Park in Vero Beach, Alma Lee Loy Bridge in Vero Beach, and Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach are all recommended viewing locations.
Even those in Indian River County can potentially see the SpaceX rocket launch from neighboring Treasure Coast. So if you’re in the area, keep an eye out for this exciting event.
For more information on this rocket launch and other space-related news, you can contact Rick Neale, a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY, at 321-242-3638 or [email protected]. You can also follow him on Twitter at @RickNeale1.