A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket is set to launch from Cape Canaveral on April 24, 2026, with visibility potentially extending to multiple East Coast states. The rocket, equipped with five solid rocket boosters, will carry Amazon's Project Kuiper satellites into low-Earth orbit. United Launch Alliance has released a map showing the expected visibility range, which includes parts of New Jersey, North Carolina, West Virginia, Indiana, Tennessee, and Alabama. Weather and cloud cover could affect the view, but the launch is expected to be visible across much of Florida as well.
The Atlas V has a history of being seen far beyond Florida. In December 2023, SpaceX's Falcon Heavy was spotted from Boca Raton to Myrtle Beach. In February 2025, residents of Fayetteville, North Carolina, shared photos of a Falcon 9 rocket after its Cape Canaveral launch. Earlier this year, a Falcon 9 was seen 150 miles away from the launch site. This upcoming Atlas V mission will be the first to carry Amazon's broadband satellites, which aim to expand internet access globally.
ULA confirmed the rocket will lift off from Cape Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 41. The five solid rocket boosters will provide extra lifting power for the mission. While most launches are visible only in Florida, atmospheric conditions can allow sightings as far north as Providence, Rhode Island, and as far west as Alabama. The visibility map includes specific cities and regions where the rocket's plume may be seen during ascent.
Local observers and skywatchers are encouraged to check the ULA map and clear skies for the best view. The launch will take place at 9:30 a.m. ET, with a 90-minute window before liftoff for updates on floridatoday.com/space. This event highlights the ongoing role of Brevard County as a hub for space exploration, with frequent launches visible to residents and visitors across the region.