A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch from Cape Canaveral on Friday, May 1, carrying 29 Starlink broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch window opens four hours after the full moon peaks, creating a rare celestial event visible from parts of Florida. The mission, scheduled for 10 minutes after moonrise, will mark the first full moon of May — a month with two full moons this year.
The rocket will lift off from either NASA’s Kennedy Space Center near Merritt Island or the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Visibility is expected as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach, depending on weather and cloud cover. Local observers in Brevard County, home to both launch sites, will have the clearest views of the event.
Nighttime launches offer unique photo opportunities. The rocket’s bright plume against the dark sky and its contrail will create striking images, according to space enthusiasts. The launch coincides with the full moon, which will illuminate the scene and make the rocket’s ascent more visible to the naked eye.
Those unable to attend in person can watch via the USA TODAY Network’s Space Team coverage. For updates, contact Rick Neale at [email protected], Brooke Edwards at [email protected], or Eric Lagatta at [email protected]. Additional space news is available at floridatoday.com/space.
This launch follows a series of Starlink missions aimed at expanding global broadband coverage. The event highlights the ongoing activity at Florida’s Space Coast, where launches are frequent but often overshadowed by the region’s focus on tourism and education.