Can people watch the launches?
The public is welcome to watch any launch. However, there are no open/public viewing facilities on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station similar to those used for space shuttle launches due to the location of our launch facilities and safety concerns. Launches may be viewed along the majority of the beach areas in Brevard County. Check out these links for more information on public viewing locations:
· State Road 528 or the Beach Line Expressway, is a commuter road from Orlando to Titusville. Approaching Port Canaveral, a clear view of the launch pads on CCAFS may be seen from the Indian and Banana Rivers. It is recommended that anyone wishing to view a launch from SR 528 find a safe location where traffic will not be impeded.
· Both Space Shuttle and rocket liftoffs can be viewed from Jetty Park in Port Canaveral. There is a minimal admission fee. The park typically closes at 9 p.m. but adjusts its hours to accommodate launch viewing. Call (321) 783-7111 for more information.
· Off State Road A1A along the Atlantic Ocean in Cocoa Beach.
· Along the Indian River on U.S. Highway 1, between SR 405 and 402 (near Titusville). This location should provide the best view of the new Atlas V Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle.
Boaters viewing launches should tune to Channel 16 VHF-FM for instructions from the Coast Guard pertaining to restricted areas. The Coast Guard will patrol those areas in the rivers and offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. Boaters will not be permitted north of marker 15 on the Banana river (where the high wires cross the river). Boaters may not enter the southern part of Mosquito Lagoon (past the Haulover Canal). However, the canal, part of the Intracoastal Waterway, will remain open to traffic. Boaters may not set foot on any land that is part of Cape Canaveral Air Force Station or Kennedy Space Center.
Shuttle launch viewing locations
Do most of the rockets launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carry classified satellites?
No. In fact, the lion's share of our launches are not classified. Only certain missions are classified in the interest of national security.
What type of rockets does the Air Force launch?
The Air Force launches Delta IV and Atlas V vehicles from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The Atlas V and the Delta IV are United Launch Alliance's new "Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicles" or EELVs.
Where can I get more information on the space launches from Cape Canaveral Air Station?
You may write for information on launches:
45th Space Wing Public Affairs
1201 Edward H. White II Street
Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., 32925
(321) 494-5933.
The launch schedule is available; however, weather and other constraints change launch dates continually.
Why are these rockets launched?
Most rockets launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station carry military and commercial satellites. A few carry scientific satellites and other types of payloads for NASA.
With the end of the "Cold War" why is the military launching satellites?
The military uses space systems for navigation, weather, communications and reconnaissance purposes. Even with the end of the Cold War, the need for these systems continues to support worldwide military contingencies. Space systems are in use by troops deployed in Southwest Asia, on relief operations and other military deployments across the globe. Space systems are an integral part of the Air Force's philosophy of "Global Engagement."
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