Two rocket launches are scheduled for Monday from Cape Canaveral, Florida, with SpaceX launching a Falcon Heavy rocket in the morning and United Launch Alliance sending up an Atlas V rocket in the evening. The Falcon Heavy, which is rarely used, will carry a Boeing-built Viasat satellite to provide broadband connectivity to the Asia-Pacific region. The launch is expected to produce a sonic boom audible across Brevard County. Later that night, ULA’s Atlas V rocket will carry 29 Amazon satellites to low Earth orbit, using five solid rocket boosters for additional power. Both launches will originate from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, locations that offer some of the best visibility for residents in Brevard County. Weather conditions and cloud cover will determine how far the launches are visible, with some sightings possible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach. The Falcon Heavy launch, happening during the day, may be harder to see from farther away due to sunlight, but the Atlas V’s nighttime launch could create striking visual opportunities. Rocket contrails against the dark sky are often popular photography subjects. The Falcon Heavy’s sonic boom, expected to be felt and heard across the Space Coast, has prompted officials to advise residents to prepare for the noise. Launches are subject to weather delays, but current forecasts indicate clear conditions for both events. For those unable to view in person, the USA TODAY Network’s Space Team will provide live coverage. The launches mark another busy week for Florida’s Space Coast, which has seen increased activity from both commercial and government space programs in recent months.
Space & Tech
Two rocket launches set for Cape Canaveral on Monday
SpaceX and United Launch Alliance plan back-to-back rocket launches from Florida's Space Coast on Monday, with viewing opportunities across Brevard County and beyond.
Source: Florida Today