SpaceX launched a Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Wednesday at 10:13 a.m., hitting its target orbit on time. The rocket’s two first-stage boosters landed back at the launch site, creating a double sonic boom audible across parts of Brevard County. The mission marked the first Falcon Heavy launch from Florida since 2019.
The launch was initially scheduled for Monday but delayed due to weather concerns. Wednesday’s 85-minute window had no rain, with wind gusts between 15 and 20 mph at Merritt Island. SpaceX said residents in Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and other counties may hear sonic booms during the booster landings.
The Falcon Heavy is three times more powerful than a standard Falcon 9 rocket. The double sonic boom occurs because both boosters return to Earth simultaneously, a feature unique to launches from Cape Canaveral. SpaceX crews are monitoring a cold front moving in late Wednesday, which could bring clouds and isolated rain by Thursday.
A backup launch window is set for Thursday at 10:09 a.m. Stronger winds are expected through the weekend, potentially complicating a Friday launch if delayed. The mission’s success comes as SpaceX prepares for future launches from the Space Coast, with no immediate delays reported for upcoming missions.