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Your Guide to the Kennedy Space Center Rocket Launches

The Kennedy Space Center is a world-renowned launch facility located on Merritt Island in Florida. It has been the site of some of humanity's most historic and groundbreaking space exploration achievements, beginning with Alan Shepard's first American flight into space in 1961. Stay on this page to learn about all the Kennedy Space Center launches as well as exciting programs that are taking place!

Kennedy Space Center Launches

Kennedy Space Center offers visitors the opportunity to get a close look at rocket launches from its premises. All the viewing locations for the launches are just a few miles/kilometers from the launch pads. This gives its viewers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to witness rockets and space shuttles blast off into outer space.

Keep in mind that the Visitor Complex does offer launch tickets for rocket launches, however, they are available only in addition to the daily admission tickets. Take a look at the Kennedy Space Center event calendar for upcoming launches and viewing opportunities.

*Launch dates, timings, and viewing opportunities are subject to change. They can be affected by technical and mechanical issues, range operations, and the weather. Changes can take place in advance or even at the last minute.

Upcoming Launches to Look Out For

SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink 12-7

SpaceX Falcon 9 Starlink 12-7

Date: January 27, 2025 at 2:21pm
Location: Space Launch Complex 40 • Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Starlink 12-7 mission from Kennedy Space Center, continuing the deployment of the Starlink satellite constellation designed to deliver global high-speed internet coverage. The reusable Falcon 9 booster will carry a batch of satellites into low Earth orbit.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Intuitive Machines (IM-2)

SpaceX Falcon 9 Intuitive Machines (IM-2)

Date: Late February
Location: Launch Complex 39A • Kennedy Space Center

SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is set to launch the Intuitive Machines (IM-2) mission that will deliver a lunar lander to the Moon’s south pole, carrying scientific instruments and technology payloads to support NASA’s Artemis program.

Blue Origin New Glenn ESCAPADE

Blue Origin New Glenn ESCAPADE

Date: Not announced

Location: Space Launch Complex 36 • Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket’s ESCAPADE mission will deploy twin spacecraft to Mars to study its magnetosphere, providing critical data on atmospheric loss and solar wind interactions. This launch showcases Blue Origin's New Glenn as a key player in advancing interplanetary exploration.

The First Launch at KSC

Kennedy space center rocket launches | cape canaveral

On November 9, 1967, the first ever launch took place at Kennedy Space Center at Launch Complex 39 with the first flight test of the 363-foot-tall Saturn V. This rocket was part of the Apollo 4 mission. The rocket’s power of 7.5 million pounds of thrust had a major impact reaching the Launch Control Center (LCC), Press Site and spectators, all three miles away.

This first launch was a part of John. F Kennedy’s vision to build a rocket to the moon. Launches continue to happen at the Kennedy Space Center at regular intervals even today.

History of the Kennedy Space Center

Historic Launches at the Kennedy Space Center

kennedy sapce center rocket launches- NASA moon landing

Apollo Program

From 1967 to 1973 there were a total of 13 Saturn V launches.
The first of two uncrewed flights, Apollo 4, in 1967, was also the first rocket launch from KSC.
The first launch of Saturn V with a crew took place in December 1968. This was the Apollo 8’s lunar orbiting mission.
The following two missions which were Apollo 9 (Earth Orbit) and Apollo 10 (lunar orbit), tested the Lunar Module .
Apollo 11 which was launched from Pad A on July 16, 1969, made the first Moon landing on July 20.
The Apollo program concluded at KSC with the launches of missions 13 through 17 from 1970-72.

Visit the Saturn V Rocket

kennedy space center rocket launch

Skylab

Skylab was the first United States space station launched by NASA.
It was engaged for about 24 weeks between May 1973 and February 1974.
The main functions were an orbital workshop, a solar observatory, Earth observation, and hundreds of other experiments.
The last Saturn V launch put the Skylab space station in orbit.
In 1979, when it was not able to be re-boosted by the Space Shuttle, its orbit decayed and disintegrated in the atmosphere.

kennedy space center rocket launch

The Space Shuttle Program

The Space Shuttle program was the fourth human spaceflight program carried out by NASA.
It accomplished routine transportation for Earth-to-orbit crew and cargo from 1981 to 2011.
Shuttle Discovery and Shuttle Atlantis were the orbiter vehicles that were part of the program for space exploration.
The Shuttle is the only winged and crewed spacecraft to have achieved a successful orbit and landing.

Visit Space Shuttle Atlantis

kennedy space center rocket launch

Expendable Launch Vehicles (ELVs)

Since 1958, NASA and the military worked together on robotic mission launches.
In the 1960s, NASA had two robotic mission launches a month and the frequent number of flights allowed for quick evolution of the vehicles.
From the 1950s up until 1978, Kennedy Space Center chose the rocket and payload processing facilities for all robotic missions that were launched in the United States.
Kennedy Space Center carried out this function for commercial and foreign missions as well.

kennedy space center rocket launch

Space Station Processing

During the 1990s, the Kennedy Space Center began to work with other NASA centers as well as international partners to prepare for processing before the launch of the Space Shuttle.
It utilized its experience processing the 22 Spacelab missions in the Operations and Checkout Building to understand ISS processing.
Today, the Kennedy Space Center continues to process International Space Station payloads from across the world before launch along with developing its experiments for on orbit.

Launch Viewing Areas

kennedy space center launch viewing area

Main Visitor Complex

The main viewing area in the Visitor Complex is located next to the Space Shuttle Atlantis®, which is in the North Atlantis Lawn. It has live launch commentary and visitors can see the rocket once it clears the tree line.

Distances to Launch Pads:

To Atlas V SLC-41: 7.1 miles/11.4 kilometers (approximately)
To Falcon 9 SLC-40: 6.7 miles/10.8 kilometers (approximately)
To Delta IV SLC-37: 7 miles/11.3 kilometers (approximately)
To SpaceX LC-39A: 7.5 miles/12 kilometers (approximately)

Amenities and Inclusions:

This location comes with bleacher and lawn seating with minimal viewing obstructions. Viewers also get to witness live commentary during the launch.
Access to main Visitor Complex attractions, shows, dining, and retail if the launch is during operational hours.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

kennedy space center launch viewing area

Banana Creek Launch Viewing Area

This viewing location is adjacent to the Apollo/Saturn V Center and offers outdoor bleacher seating with views of launch pads across the Banana Creek. If the Apollo/Saturn V Center is open during the launch window it also includes Apollo Program exhibits and offers a close-up look at the world’s largest rocket, the Saturn V.

Distance to Launch Pads:

To Atlas V SLC-41: 5.4 miles/8.7 kilometers (approximately)
To Falcon 9 SLC-40: 6.2 miles/10 kilometers (approximately)
To Delta IV SLC-37: 8 miles/12.8 kilometers (approximately)
To SpaceX LC-39A: 3.9 miles/6.27 kilometers (approximately)

Amenities and Inclusions:

Bleacher seating and open lawn area (available on a first-come, first-served basis).
Access to the Apollo/Saturn V Center when open, as well as dining and shopping. Note that the Apollo/Saturn V Center may be closed on account of private events or due to other operational concerns.

Present Programs at the Kennedy Space Center

Commercial Crew Program: It provides commercially-operated crew transportation service to and from the International Space Station (ISS) under contract to NASA.
Exploration Ground Systems Program: NASA is currently designing the next heavy launch vehicle for continuation of human spaceflight.
Launch Services Program: This is responsible for NASA's oversight of launch operations and countdown management, providing added quality and mission assurance.
Educational Launch of Nanosatellites (ELaNa): This is an initiative to invite more students into the field of science, mathematics, technology, and engineering.
Artemis Program: The main goal of this is to return humans to the moon, specifically the lunar south pole, by 2024.
Lunar Gateway: This is a planned small space station in lunar orbit intended to serve as a solar-powered communication hub.
International Space Station Payloads: This is a framework that has been adopted by the International Space Station to support various types of hardware.
Camp KSC: Educational camps in KSC for schoolchildren in spring and summer that focuses on aviation and robotics.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kennedy Space Center Launches

Can I view a Kennedy Space Center rocket launch for free?

No, you need to purchase admission tickets to visit the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and view any launches that are taking place within KSC operating hours. You can book your tickets here. If the launch is outside operating hours, you can book tickets here.

How can I book tickets to view a rocket launch?

You do not need to book separate tickets for launches. Viewing a launch is included in your admission ticket. All you have to do is hop on to the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour. Keep in mind that it operated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Where are the best viewing locations for a rocket launch?

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers some of the closest public viewing areas, complete with bleacher seating and live commentary. Additionally, locations like Jetty Park provide excellent views of the launch pads. Remember to arrive early to secure a good spot.

What time should I arrive for a rocket launch?

Make sure you’re at the Kennedy Space Center at least 2 hours before the scheduled launch time to allow time for parking, security checks, and securing a good viewing spot. Launch times can change, so reaching early lets you accommodate any schedule changes,

Are rocket launches ever rescheduled or canceled?

Yes, launches can be postponed or canceled due to technical issues or unfavorable weather conditions.

How long does a rocket launch last?

The actual launch sequence is relatively quick, often lasting just a few minutes. However, the buildup and post-launch activities can extend the experience to an hour.

How close are the viewing areas to the launch pads?

KSC offers some of the closest public viewing areas for rocket launches, ranging from 2.3 miles (LC-39 Observation Gantry) to 3.9 miles (Banana Creek) from the launch pads. Farther spots like the Visitor Complex are around 7-10 miles away, still providing great views with live screens and commentary.

What should I bring to a rocket launch viewing?

Slather on some sunscreen and bring your hats, binoculars or cameras. Don’t forget your shades to protect your eyes from the harsh sun because there’s going to be a lot of looking up.

Is seating available at the Kennedy Space Center launch viewing areas?

Yes, seating is available at the various Kennedy Space Center launch viewing areas, however, they are subject to a first-come, first-served basis.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Outside food and beverages are not allowed inside the Visitor Complex. However, there are more than enough dining options available on-site including Orbit Café, Moon Rock Café and Space Bowl Bistro.

Can I tour other attractions at KSC on launch day?

Yes! Make the most of your trip to Kennedy Space Center and club your launch viewing with exploring the attractions and exhibits inside.

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