Atlas V to Launch ViaSat‑3 Flight 2 — When and Where
What: A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket carrying ViaSat‑3 Flight 2 (F2), an ultra‑high‑capacity Ka‑band broadband satellite for Viasat.
When: Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. Launch window opens at 10:24 p.m. ET and runs for 44 minutes until 11:08 p.m. ET.
Where: Launch Complex 41, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
Why this launch will be visible
This Atlas V is flying with five side‑mounted solid rocket boosters, producing a very bright, fast ascent that can be visible across a wide area depending on weather and clouds. ULA has published a visibility graphic that projects where the rocket and its exhaust plume may be seen as it climbs downrange.
Visibility timeline (estimates from ULA)
- Launch + 60 seconds: Space Coast (Brevard County), east Orlando (near UCF), northern Treasure Coast, Indian River County, Vero Beach, Sebastian, parts of Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach.
- Launch + 90 seconds: Includes payload fairing jettison; visible across much of the Space Coast, Volusia County (Daytona Beach area), Treasure Coast, Orlando metro and other Central Florida communities.
- Launch + 150 seconds: After solid rocket booster jettison; visibility may extend to Jacksonville, Gainesville, Tampa Bay area (Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater), the Sarasota/Manatee region, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples and Lee/Collier counties, plus West Palm Beach and southern Georgia (Savannah). Parts of the Bahamas and Caribbean could also see the upper‑stage plume.
- Launch + 210 seconds: Booster separation; visibility may reach Tallahassee and parts of Florida's Big Bend and extend to the coasts of Georgia and South Carolina and some North Carolina coastal areas.
- Launch + 270 seconds: Projected visibility includes coastal cities in Georgia (Savannah, Brunswick), South Carolina (Hilton Head, Charleston, Myrtle Beach) and North Carolina (Wilmington).
- Launch + 330–390 seconds: Upper‑stage plume could remain visible from more distant locations such as Bermuda and parts of the Caribbean for several minutes, depending on lighting and atmospheric conditions.
Note: These sightlines are estimates based on ULA's flight‑path graphic. Actual visibility will vary with cloud cover, local lighting and viewing angle.
Best viewing locations and tips
In Florida, the best in‑person vantage points include the Space Coast (Brevard County), the Fun Coast (Volusia County / Daytona Beach area) and the Treasure Coast (Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties). Observers as far north as Jacksonville and as far south as West Palm Beach have previously photographed Cape Canaveral launches when conditions were favorable.
- Arrive early — expect heavy post‑launch traffic on the Space Coast and nearby roads.
- Bring a flashlight, water and a charged phone or camera. A telephoto or zoom lens helps for photos.
- On the Space Coast, you may feel or hear a pronounced rumble and, in some areas, windows may vibrate after liftoff.
How to follow the launch online
If you can’t attend in person, ULA and major media outlets usually provide live webcasts. Local coverage and a live stream often begin about two hours before liftoff; follow official ULA channels and trusted local outlets for links and updates. For additional local reporting, Florida Today will provide coverage and a live stream at floridatoday.com/space.
About the payload
ViaSat‑3 Flight 2 is the second of a planned three‑satellite Ka‑band constellation intended to substantially increase Viasat’s global broadband capacity. The mission will place the spacecraft into its targeted orbit using the Atlas V’s high‑reliability architecture.
Final reminder
Visibility is highly dependent on weather and cloud cover. Use ULA’s published visibility graphic and local radar to plan your viewing, and allow extra time for travel before and after the launch.
