Rocket Launch at Kennedy Space Center in Florida 2024-2025

A rocket launch is an educational and thrilling experience. Observing the launchpad and listening to the countdown, then seeing the rocket’s flames and the powerful roar of the engine—the sight is so mesmerizing that it can give you goosebumps.

When to See Rocket Launches at KSC

Kennedy Space Center offers the closest public observation of rocket launches. The launches take place year-round on certain dates, and tickets usually appear a few months or weeks in advance. The launch schedule is planned around SpaceX and United Launch Alliance launches and is only announced after the launch provider confirms the dates. Therefore, keep an eye out for updates on the website of Kennedy Space Center and several launch providers, like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and ULA, to make sure you witness the next rocket launch. But launch cadence is quite high in Florida, with 72 orbital rockets lifting off the Florida coast in 2023.

Next Launches & Schedule

The closest launch, which has already been announced on Kennedy Space Center's website, is the Blue Origin New Glenn ESCAPADE, launching from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and scheduled no earlier than spring 2025. However, some launches might take place before that, with SpaceX announcing its missions only a day or two before the actual launch.

Best Places to View the Launch

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the closest public viewing area for rocket launches, where you can witness the event at a distance of 3 to 8 miles (5-13 km). Main Visitor Complex offers live commentary during the event, while the Banana Creek Launch Viewing Area at the Apollo/Saturn V Center gives you a chance to witness rockets fly above Banana Creek.

The LC-39 Observation Gantry is the closest option, with the distance from Cape Canaveral being about 2.3-5.5 miles (3.7-8.9 km). You may also try out other viewing sites located at different distances from the launch area, like Playalinda Beach and Canaveral National Seashore.

Launch Tickets

The tickets are online and sell out fast, so check the website regularly. You can also buy a launch viewing package in order to see all rocket launches, as well as a number of other events happening at the Kennedy Space Center. Rocket launch viewing passes can usually be purchased on top of regular admission. The price generally varies around $250 and up.

If the launch is cancelled or postponed to another date before the visitor complex opens on the launch date, you can either get a refund for unused ticket package or retain it for the new date. If the delay happened after the center opens, you won't be able to get a refund after the ticket was scanned at the entrance.

Admission Tickets

If you'd like to visit the Kennedy Space Center and witness all of its stunning exhibits and displays, consider purchasing an admission ticket. A one-day ticket costs $75 for adults and $65 for children between 3 and 11 years old. A two-day admission costs $89 for adults and $79 for children between 3 and 11 years old. Seniors over 55 years old can purchase either a one-day ticket for $70 and a two-day ticket for $84.

Location

Kennedy Space Center is located around 18 miles (29 km) from Titusville in central Florida on Merritt Island. The most used base for rocket launches is Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which is connected to the KSC by a number of bridges. There is also a wildlife refuge on the island, as well as NASA’s launch headquarters. Visitors can use a car rental service, bus or taxi to get to Kennedy Space Center from Titusville. Moreover, Titusville boasts various hotels and restaurants, making it convenient to watch the rocket launch from the city.