Two launches from Cape Canaveral on the evening of Nov. 5 could tie Florida’s annual record of 93 launches. SpaceX will attempt Starlink 6-81 at 6:08 p.m. local time; later, ULA plans an Atlas V carrying ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) at about 10:24 p.m. If both succeed, the record will be matched. A SpaceX Starlink mission on Nov. 8 could break the record, and Blue Origin’s New Glenn is also listed on the calendar pending a formal date.
Cape Canaveral Doubleheader: SpaceX and ULA Could Tie Florida's Annual Launch Record
Two launches from Cape Canaveral on the evening of Nov. 5 could tie Florida’s annual record of 93 launches. SpaceX will attempt Starlink 6-81 at 6:08 p.m. local time; later, ULA plans an Atlas V carrying ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) at about 10:24 p.m. If both succeed, the record will be matched. A SpaceX Starlink mission on Nov. 8 could break the record, and Blue Origin’s New Glenn is also listed on the calendar pending a formal date.
16:57, 03.11.2025Science
Two-night launches from Cape Canaveral could match last year’s record
A midweek doubleheader from Cape Canaveral could tie Florida’s annual launch record if both missions lift off as planned on the evening of Nov. 5. First up is SpaceX’s next batch of Starlink internet satellites, followed later by United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V carrying a high-capacity commercial broadband satellite.
SpaceX — Starlink 6-81
Launch time: No earlier than 6:08 p.m. on Nov. 5 (local)
Pad: Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Notes: This mission, designated Starlink 6-81, is part of the sixth numbered Starlink group. The Falcon 9 is expected to climb on a southeast trajectory after liftoff. If weather and systems cooperate, this would be the 92nd Space Coast launch of the year.
United Launch Alliance — ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) on Atlas V
Launch time: No earlier than 10:24 p.m. on Nov. 5 (local); ULA holds the window open through 11:00 p.m.
Pad: Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Notes: The Atlas V will carry Viasat’s ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2), described by Viasat as an “ultra-high-capacity broadband spacecraft” expected to substantially boost the company’s fleet capacity. This configuration of the Atlas V will ignite five solid rocket boosters for a powerful, highly visible liftoff.
If both launches proceed on schedule, Florida’s annual launch tally will be tied with last year’s record of 93 missions.
What’s next
The next scheduled mission from Cape Canaveral is SpaceX’s Starlink 10-51, currently targeted for no earlier than 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8 from Launch Complex 40. If that liftoff occurs as planned, it would push the year’s total to a new high — launch number 94.
The Space Coast Office of Tourism also lists Blue Origin’s New Glenn second launch window as no earlier than 7:00 p.m. on Nov. 8. New Glenn has completed a successful hot-fire test and has been integrated with NASA’s ESCAPADE payloads, which are intended for a Mars-bound mission; however, Blue Origin has not announced a formal launch date.
Timing and viewing
Weather, technical checks, or range constraints can shift launch times or scrub attempts. Local viewers wanting to watch should check official company updates and the Cape Canaveral range status before heading out. Both launches are expected to be visible from many vantage points along Florida’s Space Coast if conditions are favorable.
Reporter: Brooke Edwards, Space Reporter, Florida Today. Contact: bedwards@floridatoday.com · X: @brookeofstars
Originally appeared on Florida Today: "Mid-week doubleheader launch in Cape Canaveral will tie yearly record." All times listed are local to Cape Canaveral; subject to change.