Falcon 9 Block 5 | Inmarsat-7 F1 (GX-7)
🕑 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: Geostationary Transfer Orbit
Mission
Inmarsat-7 is the seventh generation of satellites for the London-based global mobile satellite communications operator Inmarsat. The three satellites of the series - GX-7, 8 & 9 - will have an improved fully reconfigurable Ka-band payload for Inmarsat's Global Xpress services. They are optimized for real-time mobility and feature thousands of dynamically-formed beams that direct capacity with laser-like precision over high-demand areas, to provide HTS (High Throughput) broadband connectivity for the mobility market. The satellites will be based on Airbus’ new standard and fully reconfigurable satellite product line OneSat. Fully reconfigurable and featuring on board processing and active antennas, the three Ka-band spacecraft will be able to adjust their coverage, capacity and frequency.
👀 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
Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from bookings made through this map, at no extra cost to you.
🎟️ 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.
Book on GetYourGuide ↗Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a commission from tickets and tours booked through these GetYourGuide links, at no extra cost to you.
Tip: launches slip often. Book refundable, arrive early, and recheck the time the morning of launch.