A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Monday at 9:15 a.m., sending a cargo ship to the International Space Station. The launch drew photographers and space enthusiasts to the nearby viewing areas, where they captured images of the rocket’s ascent against a clear sky. The event marked the 25th commercial resupply mission for SpaceX under NASA’s Cargo Resupply Services contract.
The rocket lifted from Launch Complex 39A, a historic site previously used for Apollo and Space Shuttle missions. SpaceX employees and contractors were on site, while the public watched from designated viewing areas near the highway. The flight, designated CRS-25, carried over 6,000 pounds of supplies, including scientific experiments and crew provisions.
Local photographer Mark Thompson, who has documented launches for over a decade, said the event was a routine but significant moment for the community. “It’s always exciting to see the rocket go, but it’s also a reminder of how much spaceflight has become a part of daily life here,” he said. The launch was visible from parts of Brevard County, with some residents sharing videos on social media.
SpaceX has conducted 35 launches from the Space Coast since 2010, according to the Florida Space Commerce Council. The company’s presence has reshaped the region’s economy, with related jobs and tourism growing steadily. The Falcon 9’s first stage returned to Earth shortly after liftoff, landing at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station’s Landing Zone 1.
The mission is part of SpaceX’s ongoing partnership with NASA, which has relied on the company for cargo and crew transport since 2012. The next launch from the Space Force Station is scheduled for early next month, pending weather and technical checks.