Watching a Florida Rocket Launch

Watching a rocket launch is a truly memorable occasion, especially if you are close enough to hear the engines. You can generally watch a launch inside the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (during regular operating hours) or from nearby publicly accessible land.

To watch from inside the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, you need a standard admission ticket; for the more popular launches, like the crewed launches, you need a Launch Viewing Package, which sometimes includes admission.

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Whilst normal admission tickets can be purchased from several outlets, the special launch viewing packages can only be purchased directly from the Kennedy Space Center.

A nighttime launch is more atmospheric, though the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex may be closed.

When buying Kennedy Space Center tickets, you can often save money with discounted deals from our travel partner.

They sell single-day tickets and day trips from Orlando to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which are great if you do not want to drive.

With the routine “return to earth” landings of the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy first-stage boosters, double sonic booms are again being heard at the Cape.

Click here to see when the next rocket launch from the Kennedy Space Center is due to lift off.

Watching a rocket launch from inside the Kennedy Space Center

NASA used to offer free passes to watch the space shuttle launches in Florida from the NASA causeway, but now the space shuttle is no more; the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex sometimes charges extra to view a rocket from the various launch viewing areas or only admits guests who have purchased a special launch package.

Today, you can generally watch for free from the Space Shuttle Plaza by the Atlantis building at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, though trees obscure the initial launch.

You can often watch from the Banana Creek Launch Viewing Area, which is adjacent to the Apollo Saturn V Center, which is closer. Sometimes, launch viewing is complimentary, but other times, you have to buy a Launch Viewing ticket add-on to view the launch from this location. Prices are generally around $20 plus tax. Launch viewing packages start at $75 plus tax and include admission.

If the launch is outside of normal daytime operations, the Apollo Saturn V Center is usually closed, but restrooms and food are generally available.

For some launches, you can purchase a Premium Launch Viewing and Admission Package, which lets you watch a launch from either the LC-39 Observation Gantry area or occasionally from the NASA Causeway. LC-39 Observation Gantry tickets generally cost around $49 plus tax, and the NASA Causeway $39 plus tax.

Tickets can be purchased online directly from the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Still, the more popular (and closer) LC-39 Observation Gantry area and NASA Causeway tickets often sell out very quickly.

When very high visitor numbers are expected, like the Falcon 9 Heavy launch and the Commercial Crew SpaceX Demonstration Mission 1, all visitors must purchase a special viewing day ticket to gain admittance to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.

The largest crowd in many years witnessed the first launch of the SpaceX Falcon Heavy with three first-stage boosters in February 2018.

Viewing from the closest area, the Apollo/Saturn V Center, costs $195, and from the Space Shuttle Atlantis® North Lawn Launch Viewing area, $115 plus tax. Both deals included exclusive offerings and souvenirs, including food, drinks, and a two-day admission ticket (including the launch day).

The LC-39 Observation Gantry is closed when launching from the former space shuttle launch pads, LC-39A and LC-39B.

Rocket Launch Viewing Distances by Launchpad

The following table shows the approximate distance from the viewing areas to the launch pads.

SpaceX can use LC-39A (the former shuttle launch pad) or SLC-40 to launch Falcon 9s and LC-39A for their Falcon Heavy.

You must allow sufficient time to reach the launch viewing areas, separate from the Space Shuttle Plaza; you must drive or be taken by bus to the viewing areas.

All locations offer bleacher seating with launch commentary plus access to restrooms, food, and souvenirs.

You must know the “Scrub Policy” if the launch does not go as planned. Generally, when you pay for a Launch Transportation Ticket, and the launch is canceled before you board the bus, your ticket is valid for the next attempted launch date, or you can use the value of the ticket to buy merchandise in the Space Shop.

If the launch is canceled after you have boarded the bus to the viewing area, the ticket is assumed to have been used, and you cannot use it for a subsequent launch. However, you will receive a complimentary one-day admission to the Kennedy Space Center for the next launch date, plus a coupon for 20% off merchandise.

You also used to be able to watch the launch from the old Astronauts Hall of Fame site by buying an “Astronaut Hall of Fame Launch Viewing” ticket (though the view was not that good). You could watch from the roof for an extra fee, but these options are no longer available as the Hall of Fame has now closed.

Watching a rocket launch from outside the Kennedy Space Center

Even if you cannot obtain a pass or buy a ticket, you can still watch a rocket launch from several locations nearby, outside of the NASA complex, particularly along US Highway 1 between Route 406 and US 50 around Titusville or on the coast:

• Space View Park, on Broad Street and Indian River Avenue by the Indian River in Titusville, offers an uninterrupted view of the shuttle launch pads and is about 11 miles away. While waiting, you can hear a live audio feed directly from the NASA control room and view the Astronaut Walk of Fame.
• Sand Point Park on A Max Brewer Memorial Parkway is also on the Indian River in Titusville and offers similar views, though not quite as good.
• Several homeowners with river frontage often open their gardens for a $10 to $30 camping/parking fee.
• In Cocoa Beach along State Road A1A. You will not see the rocket at the liftoff point, but it will be visible shortly afterward. Because of your location, it will take on a more curved trajectory as it launches out over the Atlantic. You also have the benefits and amenities of the beach.
• On the Beeline Expressway (State Road 528) where it crosses the Indian River and Banana River.
• At the 1200-foot launch viewing pier at Jetty Park just south of the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. This location is best for watching a rocket launch (Atlas or Delta) from the more southerly launch pads.
• Port Canaveral on Route 401.
• Playalinda Beach is part of the Canaveral National Seashore (not open 24 hours, separate fee).
• And at many other beaches both north and south of the launch complex.

Be aware that you may not hear the rocket engines if you are watching from more than a few miles away. Of course, the bigger the rocket, the greater the chance of hearing it.

On a clear day, you can see the launch as far away as Orlando.

Space Shuttle Launches

Watching a space shuttle launch in Florida is an amazing experience. Words cannot describe the anticipation, sights, and sounds of a space shuttle blasting off from the NASA Kennedy Space Center. There is no sound at the point of engine ignition and liftoff (sound travels much slower than light), and then the ground shakes.

Whereas arrangements could be made to watch a space shuttle launch in Florida, there were no equivalent arrangements to watch it land. Originally, space shuttles used to land at Edwards Air Force Base, but they then routinely landed back at the NASA Kennedy Space Center.

With the shuttle program ending, the opportunity to see a shuttle launch has gone, but you can still watch the many NASA and commercial rocket launches from the Cape. Launchpad LC-39B will soon reverberate with the sound of the giant NASA SLS rocket.

If you had been around when a space shuttle returned to Earth, you may have heard a double sonic boom as it returned Earthwards.

Having watched the launch of the Columbia/STS-83 mission in 1997, it was cut short because of fuel problems, and we heard the double sonic boom while waiting to watch the afternoon parade in Magic Kingdom a few days later when it was forced to make an early return.

Post-Launch Activities At Kennedy Space Centre

Visitors are encouraged to explore the area’s attractions after witnessing the spectacular sight of a rocket launch (or before the launch). These attractions provide educational and entertainment value, enhancing the overall experience of a space launch visit.

Visitor Complex Exhibits

Kennedy Space Center offers a wide range of post-launch activities. After immersing yourself in the Space Shuttle Launch Experience, you can participate in the Astronaut Encounter to learn about space travel from experienced astronauts.

Families can also explore:

• Rocket Garden: A display of historic rockets that have journeyed to space.
• Apollo/Saturn V Center: Home to a Saturn V Moon rocket and artifacts from the Apollo moon missions…
• Children’s Play Dome: A space-themed playground for younger visitors.

**See also:- **Kennedy Space Center main page | KSC tickets | Upcoming Launch schedule