SEBASTIAN — Sky watchers along Florida’s Treasure Coast are gearing up for a double dose of rocket power Monday as a SpaceX Falcon Heavy and a United Launch Alliance Atlas V are set to blast off hours apart from the nearby Space Coast.
The Falcon Heavy is scheduled to lift off no earlier than 10:21 a.m. from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. It will carry the ViaSat-3 F3 satellite toward geosynchronous orbit to boost high-speed internet service. It is the most powerful rocket in SpaceX’s fleet.
About 10 hours later, at 8:52 p.m., the Atlas V will roar skyward from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station’s Launch Complex 41. It will haul 29 Amazon Leo satellites — part of the company’s push to deliver broadband from low-Earth orbit.
Residents in Indian River County should have clear views of both launches if the weather cooperates. The bright daytime streak of the Falcon Heavy and the glowing nighttime trail of the Atlas V will be visible across much of the region, officials said.
Back-to-back launches like this don’t happen every day.
Prime viewing spots include beaches and parks with open horizons toward the north. Sebastian Capt. Hirams Resort or Tiki Bar & Grill are your best bets. In Vero Beach, the boardwalk or Humiston Park offers solid sightlines. North toward Sebastian Inlet State Park, crowds often gather for the best angles.
Viewers should arrive early and bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens. Launch times can shift with little notice due to weather or technical issues.
The Falcon Heavy’s three boosters are expected to attempt landings after takeoff, adding to the spectacle. The evening Atlas V flight will create a dramatic sight as it climbs into the dark sky.
These missions highlight the busy pace of Florida’s space industry. SpaceX and ULA continue to regularly send satellites aloft, supporting everything from global internet to commercial communications.
For live updates, check sites like Go4Liftoff.com or follow official SpaceX and ULA channels. If Monday’s plans slip, backup dates are available in the following days.