A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch three AST SpaceMobile cellular broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit from Florida’s Space Coast at 1:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Aug. 5. The mission will carry BlueBird 11, 12, and 13 satellites, part of a global effort to expand broadband coverage. The launch window is narrow, with liftoff dependent on weather conditions and cloud cover.
Just over an hour before the SpaceX launch, a portion of a Falcon 9 rocket that launched in 2025 will crash into the moon’s near side, the side facing Earth. This event is unrelated to the new mission but highlights the long-term orbital debris challenges of spaceflight.
Visibility for the Falcon 9 launch depends on atmospheric conditions. If clouds are thin and the trajectory is favorable, the rocket’s ascent and contrail could be seen as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach. The early morning timing offers a unique viewing opportunity, with the rocket’s plume lighting up the dark sky.
NASA+ content featuring the launch will be available on Amazon Prime Video, though the live stream is not included. For those unable to view the event in person, the footage will be accessible later. The launch is the latest in a series of SpaceX missions from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which have become regular sights for residents and visitors alike.
The AST SpaceMobile satellites aim to provide broadband internet from low-Earth orbit, competing with traditional geostationary satellites. The mission is part of a growing trend in commercial space ventures, with SpaceX playing a central role. Local observers and astronomy groups are advising viewers to check the Florida Today website for real-time updates on the launch window and viewing conditions.