Blue Origin plans to launch the New Glenn rocket (NG-2) from Cape Canaveral on Nov. 9, 2025, with a launch window from 2:45–4:13 p.m. ET. The 322-foot rocket will carry NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft to Mars. Depending on weather and cloud cover, the ascent plume could be visible across much of Florida — including Sarasota — and possibly into neighboring states. Blue Origin published a visibility map to guide observers; check official webcasts and mission updates for the latest status.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn (NG-2) Set to Launch Nov. 9 — Plume May Be Visible as Far Away as Sarasota
Blue Origin plans to launch the New Glenn rocket (NG-2) from Cape Canaveral on Nov. 9, 2025, with a launch window from 2:45–4:13 p.m. ET. The 322-foot rocket will carry NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft to Mars. Depending on weather and cloud cover, the ascent plume could be visible across much of Florida — including Sarasota — and possibly into neighboring states. Blue Origin published a visibility map to guide observers; check official webcasts and mission updates for the latest status.
11:30 AM, 11/10/2025Science
What’s happening: Blue Origin is preparing to launch its heavy-lift New Glenn rocket on the NG-2 mission from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The tentative launch window is Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, from 2:45 p.m. to 4:13 p.m. ET.
Why it matters
New Glenn will carry NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft bound for Mars to study the planet’s magnetosphere and space weather. The mission is a major milestone for Blue Origin’s large, reusable rocket program.
About New Glenn
- Height: 322 feet
- Payload fairing: ~23 feet wide
- First stage: Seven BE-4 engines; designed to be reusable for at least 25 flights
- Upper stage: Two BE-3U vacuum-optimized engines
Where and when you might see it
Depending on weather and cloud cover, the launch plume or ascent may be visible from much of Florida and into neighboring states. Blue Origin published a launch trajectory and visibility graphic with time-stamped viewing zones. The following timeline summarizes the company’s visibility estimates (approximate and weather-dependent):
- Launch to +30 seconds: Best views along the Space Coast (including Titusville, Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne), parts of east Orlando (near UCF), northern Treasure Coast (Vero Beach, Sebastian) and nearby communities.
- +30 to +60 seconds: Broader Space Coast, Daytona Beach area, Volusia County, Treasure Coast and inland toward Orlando.
- +60 to +90 seconds: Visibility may extend to central Florida locations such as St. Augustine, Ocala, Lakeland, Sanford and Kissimmee.
- +90 to +120 seconds: Gulf Coast visibility possible — Sarasota, Bradenton, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater — plus additional inland and northeast Florida communities.
- +120 to +150 seconds: Further reach across Florida (including Tallahassee and parts of the Big Bend) and the Atlantic coast near Palm Beach County.
- +150 to +210 seconds: Under ideal conditions, the plume could be visible in southeastern Georgia and coastal South Carolina (including Savannah, Hilton Head, Charleston and Myrtle Beach), and parts of North Carolina coastal areas.
- +240 seconds and beyond: Blue Origin’s graphic indicates the possibility of seeing the plume from wider areas of the Southeast, parts of Alabama, Bermuda and portions of the Caribbean in very favorable conditions.
Note: These are approximate observation windows derived from Blue Origin’s published flight path graphic and assume clear skies and minimal cloud cover. Local terrain, weather and lighting conditions will affect actual visibility.
How to watch
Check Blue Origin’s official channels for a live webcast and mission updates. Local news outlets and space-focused sites typically provide prelaunch coverage beginning a couple of hours before liftoff. If you plan to view in person, choose a clear, open horizon and arrive early to avoid traffic and crowds.
Credits and sources
Information in this article is based on Blue Origin’s published launch trajectory and mission briefings for NG-2 and public reporting about the ESCAPADE payload. For the latest status, consult Blue Origin’s official updates and local range notifications.