Falcon 9 Block 5 | BlueBird 14-16 (Block 2 #9-11)
🕑 Local: Wed, Dec 30, 7:00 PM EST
🌴 Pacific: Wed, Dec 30, 4:00 PM PST
Time precision: Quarter 4
Pad: Space Launch Complex 40
Location: Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Rocket: Falcon 9 Block 5
Provider: SpaceX
Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
Mission
AST SpaceMobile’s Block 2 BlueBird satellites are designed to deliver up to 10 times the bandwidth capacity of the BlueBird Block 1 satellites, required to achieve 24/7 continuous cellular broadband service coverage in the United States, with beams designed to support a capacity of up to 40 MHz, enabling peak data transmission speeds up to 120 Mbps, supporting voice, full data and video applications. The Block 2 BlueBirds, featuring as large as 2400 square foot communications arrays, will be the largest satellites ever commercially deployed in Low Earth orbit once launched. This launch will feature 3 satellites.
👀 Where to watch
Space View Park
Riverfront park on the Indian River with a direct view across to KSC. Monuments to Mercury/Gemini/Apollo astronauts. Gets crowded for big launches; arrive hours early. Parking is limited downtown.
Max Brewer Bridge & causeway
Causeway on SR-406 toward Merritt Island NWR. Shoreline areas along the causeway offer wide-open views across the river; parking on the causeway shoulders/park areas fills up quickly. Do not stop on the bridge itself.
Playalinda Beach (Canaveral National Seashore)
Very close views of the LC-39 pads. CLOSURE NOTE: NASA/NPS frequently close Playalinda (and parts of Merritt Island NWR) for launches from 39A/39B and some other operations — check the Canaveral National Seashore alerts page (nps.gov/cana) before going. Gates close when lots fill; limited capacity.
Jetty Park
Beach and fishing pier at the mouth of Port Canaveral; looks north up the Cape coastline. Great for Cape Canaveral SFS pads. Campground on site. Parking fee per vehicle; capacity closures on busy days.
Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier
Classic beach view; you watch the rocket rise up the coastline to the north. Pads themselves aren't visible at the horizon, but ascents are spectacular, especially at night/twilight. Restaurants and bars on the pier.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (paid viewing)
Offers launch viewing packages for select launches (e.g., Apollo/Saturn V Center), with commentary. Availability varies per launch and sells out for big missions. Check kennedyspacecenter.com for current launch viewing options.
Exploration Tower (Port Canaveral)
Seven-story observation tower at the port with elevated views of the Cape. Check hours; may open specially for some launches.
🧳 Plan your trip
🏨 Places to stay near Titusville, FL
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🎟️ Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex Ticket
Admission to KSC Visitor Complex — rockets, Space Shuttle Atlantis and launch-day viewing options.
Book on GetYourGuide ↗👩🚀 Kennedy Space Center Astronaut Training Experience
Hands-on astronaut training simulators and mission briefings at KSC.
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Tip: launches slip often. Book refundable, arrive early, and recheck the time the morning of launch.