If you wish to experience a sight nothing short of magical, mark your calendars for the next SpaceX
rocket launch. Gather with friends and family to watch SpaceX sate-lite the night!
Elon Musk’s international company, SpaceX, has been at the forefront of space innovation for years now. Founded in 2002, the company has taken on massive projects while delivering groundbreaking results. The ultimate mission of SpaceX is to create a reality where humanity is multiplanetary. Discernably, this could take several years, decades, or centuries to achieve, but every step towards the mission is a phenomenal show. SpaceX made strides with the invention of the Falcon 9, the world’s first reusable rocket that is orbital class.
Local Floridians have VIP access to these breathtaking launches, thanks to the Kennedy Space Center and The Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Kennedy Space Center is iconic, and for good reason, serving as the departure point for the first mission carrying humans to the moon. All American orbital launches carrying NASA astronauts have departed from Florida. The center was built in Florida due to its accessibility for trade, flat landscape, and proximity to the equator. Take advantage of living near the space coast and observe these monumental scientific discoveries unfold in the sky!
SpaceX has been notably active in space launches, specifically those off the coast of Florida. Most recently, on January 18, 2024, the company launched Axiom Space’s Falcon 9 with a Crew Dragon Freedom. This mission sent four astronauts to the International Space Center, a step towards the magnificent goal of commercial travel to space.
Florida resident, Skye Blumenfeld, recalls a video on his phone from November 9th, 2023, at 8:31pm. He says, “This was the first time I had seen something so weird in the sky, and it was completely unintentional.” That night, he had gone for a walk in Flagler Beach not knowing about the launch. “Next thing I knew, there was a huge, fiery, explosion in the sky that looked like a starburst.” Observers on the east coast, several miles north and south of the launch site, could enjoy the view.
Planned for February 6th, SpaceX Falcon 9 will carry NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud Ocean Ecosystem (PACE), departing from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This mission will help us analyze the distribution of phytoplankton, algae and tiny plants to help us better understand how the atmosphere and ocean exchange carbon dioxide. NASA has provided a countdown and a full outline of benefits from the PACE mission at https://pace.gsfc.nasa.gov/.
SpaceX launches should be visible anywhere on the east coast within 100 miles of a launch site. If you would like to observe these launches up close, there are many viewing stations that are available. At the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, viewing is public and accommodated with launch commentary, bleacher seating, and access to exhibits. You can find more information on public viewing at https://www.visitspacecoast.com/landing-page/launches/launch-venues/ .
Space Coast locals have the privilege of witnessing some of the most incredible advancements in history unfold right before their eyes. SpaceX launches are not only incredible to watch, but they are an indication of life-changing modern technology. Keep your eyes and ears open for future SpaceX launches, you truly do not want to miss this spectacular show!
Photo by SpaceX.
Photo by SpaceX.
SOURCES:
https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/01/18/space-coast-launch-schedule/
Amazing article!!!!
OUTSTANDING ARTICLE! ENJOYED READING VERY MUCH!