Falcon 9 Block 5 | CHORUS
🕑 Local: Wed, Dec 30, 7:00 PM EST
🌴 Pacific: Wed, Dec 30, 4:00 PM PST
Time precision: Quarter 4
Pad: Unknown Pad
Location: Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
Rocket: Falcon 9 Block 5
Provider: SpaceX
Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
Mission
CHORUS is MDA's next generation Earth observation constellation, consisting of 2 radar satellites (C-band SAR and X-band SAR), in a 53.5 degree 600 km altitude LEO, with the X-band trailing the C-band by 60 minutes. A collaborative multi-sensor constellation, CHORUS will bring together diverse and unique imagery and data sources and provide a new level of near real-time insight and innovative Earth observation services. Operating in a unique mid-inclination orbit, CHORUS will be able to image day or night, regardless of weather conditions, with daily access of up to 95% of the coverage area. From an industry-leading 700km-wide imaging swath down to sub-metre high resolution, CHORUS will provide the most extensive and unrivalled Earth observation radar imaging capacity available on the market in a single mission.
👀 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.