Brevard County set a new benchmark in 2025 with 109 orbital rocket launches, the highest annual total in history. With 31 launches already completed by April 30, 2026, the Space Coast is on pace to exceed that number again this year. The Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center remain central to this activity, hosting a mix of commercial and government missions.
May's launch schedule includes two major events. On Tuesday, May 12, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch NASA's CRS-34 mission from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The Dragon spacecraft will carry supplies and equipment to the International Space Station. Sonic booms are expected during this flight. A second mission, ULA's Amazon Leo 7, is scheduled for Friday, May 22. This Atlas V rocket will deploy Amazon's broadband satellites from Launch Complex 41, with no sonic booms anticipated.
Launch dates and times often change due to weather, technical issues, or mission requirements. Florida Today's Space Team provides live coverage starting 90 minutes before each launch at floridatoday.com/space. The team has noted that the first half of 2026 will also include Blue Origin's Blue Moon Pathfinder mission, though specific details are not yet confirmed.
Residents and visitors are advised to monitor updates from the Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center for the latest information. The frequency of launches continues to shape the region's economy and infrastructure, with local officials tracking the impact of increased activity on traffic, noise, and tourism.