Viewers can enjoy one more rocket launch from the Space Coast before 2018 draws to a close.
SpaceX was scheduled to launch its first national security mission Tuesday, the first in a line of new-generation satellites designed to improve the Air Force's Global Positioning System.
However, the GPS III satellite will now launch from a 230-foot-tall Falcon 9 rocket at 9:07 a.m. Wednesday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's Launch Complex 40.
How to enjoy the last launch:
With a window of 26 minutes, spectators should expect an early morning if they want to catch the last Florida launch of the year. Several places will be open as early as 7 a.m. for those who want to settle in and find a good spot before liftoff.
Some locations to view the launch include:
- Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, which offers the closest public viewing of a rocket launch, will open its doors at 7 a.m. The launch viewing is complimentary with an admissions ticket. Ticket prices are $57 for adults and $47 for children.
- Jetty Park Beach and Pier, Port Canaveral opens at 5.a.m. Parking tickets are $15 for cars.
- Playalinda Beach, Canaveral National Seashore, opens at 6 a.m. and offers a great view of Launch Complex 40. Parking tickets are $10.
- A. Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, Titusville, is open at all hours and is free for the public. As for parking, there are paved and unpaved parking on both sides of the Max Brewer Bridge.
- Cocoa Beach Pier opens at 7 a.m. Parking fees vary.
Who will be watching?
As an added incentive, Vice President Mike Pence is coming down to the Space Coast to witness the historic launch. Though the chances of seeing the vice president may be slim, it doesn't dispute the fact that this launch is a must-see.
Last one of the year!
Another record year for SpaceX, this will be its 21st launch this year alone, the most it has ever had. Next year, the company is hoping to launch uncrewed and crewed missions to the International Space Station, marking the first crewed flights to the outpost since Space Shuttle Atlantis launched from KSC in 2011.
Significance of launch:
Not only will this be the first national security launch for SpaceX, it will be the first GPS III satellite launched as well.
The new satellite will have:
- Three times better accuracy
- Up to eight times improved anti-jamming capabilities
- Spacecraft life up to 15 years
- First GPS satellite to broadcast signal compatible with other international global navigation satellite systems.
What to expect:
Blasting off from Launch Complex 40, viewers can witness as the rocket flies off into space. Unlike the Dec. 5 launch to the International Space Station, however, this will be an expendable mission so there will not be a landing attempt.
Contact Jaramillo at 321-242-3668 or antoniaj@floridatoday.com. Follow her on Twitter at @AntoniaJ_11.
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