Florida's Space Coast set a record with 109 orbital rocket launches in 2025, and the pace has not slowed in 2026. As of July 6, there have been 45 launches this year, with SpaceX dominating the schedule. A SpaceX Falcon 9 is expected to launch later this month, continuing the high activity at Cape Canaveral.
The Space Coast's 2025 total shattered previous records, but 2026 has started with a similar intensity. April 2026 was notable for NASA's Artemis II mission, which launched from Kennedy Space Center and sent four astronauts on a lunar flyby. However, launches slowed in May and June, with only six each month. Blue Origin faced a setback in May when its New Glenn rocket exploded during a test at Cape Canaveral, delaying future launches.
July has already seen two launches. The Atlas V 551 rocket lifted off at 12:30 a.m. on July 2, and a SpaceX Falcon 9 launched 29 Starlink satellites at 6:59 a.m. on July 5. Weather and trajectory will determine how far north or south the launches are visible, with sightings possible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach.
SpaceX plans to continue its frequent launches from Florida, with Falcon 9 missions expected to dominate the July schedule. The company's activity has kept the Space Coast at the center of the nation's space efforts, even as other companies like Blue Origin face challenges.
The Space Coast's launch activity remains a key part of Brevard County's economy and identity, with residents and visitors often watching launches from nearby beaches. The next SpaceX mission is expected to add to the region's already impressive 2026 total.