Two rockets will launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Friday, May 29, 2026. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 will lift off first, carrying Starlink satellites to orbit. About 12 hours later, United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V will follow from the same location. Weather permitting, the launches may be visible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach. Live coverage begins 90 minutes before the launch window at floridatoday.com/space.
The SpaceX mission, designated Starlink 10-53, aims to expand global broadband internet by deploying more satellites. The Atlas V launch will carry a classified payload for the U.S. government. Both launches will take place from Cape Canaveral, though rockets often launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center or the Space Force Station. Visibility depends on cloud cover and trajectory, with nighttime launches offering unique photo opportunities as the rocket’s contrail lights up the sky.
Residents and visitors along Florida’s Space Coast can watch the launches from public viewing areas near the Space Force Station. The first launch window opens at 8:30 a.m. ET, with the Atlas V expected to lift off around 8:30 p.m. ET. Officials advise checking the weather and avoiding restricted zones. Launches are subject to change based on conditions, with updates provided through official channels.
For those unable to view in person, live streams will be available on floridatoday.com/space. The doubleheader marks a rare event for the Space Coast, with two major missions within 12 hours. SpaceX and ULA have both conducted numerous launches from Florida, but this back-to-back schedule is uncommon. The launches highlight the region’s role in commercial and government space operations.