A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 11:30 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 5. The launch, part of a mission to deliver supplies to the International Space Station, sent a glowing plume visible as far south as the Florida Panhandle. Residents in Destin and Fort Walton Beach reported seeing the rocket’s exhaust streak across the sky shortly after liftoff.
The Falcon 9’s first stage landed successfully at Cape Canaveral’s Landing Zone 1, marking the 10th landing for this particular booster. The second stage continued toward orbit with a Dragon spacecraft carrying 5,900 pounds of cargo, including scientific experiments and crew supplies. SpaceX officials said the mission is part of a $1.6 billion contract with NASA for resupply flights to the ISS.
Local astronomers noted the plume’s visibility was enhanced by clear skies and the rocket’s trajectory over the Gulf of Mexico. "It’s unusual to see a launch this far south," said Jim Linder, president of the Florida Sky Association. "The brightness was comparable to a meteor shower." The rocket’s ascent was captured in real time by cameras at the Brevard County Space Coast Visitor Complex, which shared footage on social media.
This marks the third SpaceX launch from Brevard County in 2024, following missions in January and March. The company has 12 flights scheduled this year from Cape Canaveral, with the next one targeting late April. Launches often draw crowds to nearby beaches, though officials urged spectators to stay behind designated viewing areas.
The Falcon 9’s return to flight after a 2023 pause has reignited interest in the area’s space industry. Brevard County officials estimate the space sector supports over 25,000 jobs and generates $1.2 billion annually. SpaceX’s presence remains a cornerstone of the region’s economy, with thousands of workers employed at its nearby facilities.