If the weather forecast holds, South Florida residents will have mostly sunny skies to watch the next rocket launch in the modern-day space race. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is set to launch a Falcon 9 rocket, and its trajectory will bring it into sight for many South Floridians.
Where to See the SpaceX Starlink in the South Florida Skies
While South Floridians won't be able to see the actual liftoff, the rocket's trajectory will make it visible as it travels southeast away from Cape Canaveral, according to spacelaunchscedule.com. The website estimates that the launch will cost about $52 million. The launch, like many others from the Space Coast, will be visible from parts of South Florida, including Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. Another Falcon 9 rocket was visible May 1 after it launched around 10 p.m., according to rocket trackers.
When to Look for the May 6 SpaceX Starlink Launch
Scheduled launch time for Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is 8:22 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 6. Tuesday Evening Weather Forecast
As of Monday afternoon, the National Weather Service for late Tuesday calls for mostly sunny skies into the afternoon. Tuesday afternoon: Mostly sunny. Lows in the mid-70s. Southeast wind 6 to 9 mph.
Tuesday night: Mostly clear. Lows in the lower 70s. East winds at about seven mph.
What Is the SpaceX Falcon 9 and What Does it Do?
SpaceX, short for Space Exploration Technologies Corp., is an Elon Musk-led venture focusing on advancements in rocket propulsion, reusable launch vehicles, human space flight, and satellite technology. Falcon 9 was the first orbital-class craft capable of landing and relaunching, according to the company. SpaceX claims the reusability factor saves money by preventing the need to replace the rocket's costliest parts. Tuesday night's launch is part of the company's Starlink 6-93 mission, a project SpaceX touts, providing worldwide space-based internet access.
On Thursday, May 1, the company launched satellites into low orbit from Cape Canaveral. The station has played an integral role in the nation's space program. According to the National Parks Service, the facility has been the site of thousands of rocket launches since the 1950s, inspiring the "Space Coast" nickname.
The station shows no signs of slowing down, with at least nine more Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rocket launches already scheduled for 2025, according to rocket trackers. Other missions this year will reportedly focus on the International Space Station and satellite upgrades.
