Blue Origin’s New Glenn (NG‑2) Set for Nov. 9 — Launch May Be Visible Across Florida and Neighboring States

Blue Origin’s New Glenn launch may be visible across much of Florida and beyond

Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos, is preparing to launch its heavy-lift New Glenn rocket on the NG‑2 mission, tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025. The launch window runs from 2:45 p.m. to 4:13 p.m. ET from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Depending on weather, cloud cover and lighting conditions, the ascent — particularly the rocket's exhaust plume and upper-stage glow — could be visible across much of Florida and into neighboring states and territories.

What’s flying: New Glenn and the mission

The New Glenn vehicle stands about 322 feet tall and uses a nearly 23-foot-wide payload fairing. Its first stage is powered by seven BE‑4 engines, and the cryogenic upper stage uses two BE‑3U engines optimized for vacuum. Blue Origin says the first stage is designed to be reusable for at least 25 flights. NG‑2 will carry NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft, bound to Mars to study solar wind interactions and the Martian magnetosphere.

Estimated visibility timeline (Blue Origin graphic)

Blue Origin published a flight-path and visibility graphic that gives approximate sighting windows by seconds after liftoff. These are estimates that assume clear skies and good viewing conditions:

• Launch + 0–30 seconds: Best views along the Space Coast (e.g., Titusville, Cocoa Beach, Melbourne) and nearby Treasure Coast and Fun Coast communities. Parts of east Orlando and nearby suburbs may also see the initial ascent.
• Launch + 30–90 seconds: Visibility may extend across central Florida — Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, the Orlando metro area, Sebastian, Vero Beach and Indian River County.
• Launch + 120–150 seconds: Plume sightings could reach much of the Florida peninsula, including parts of the Tampa Bay region, Gainesville, Jacksonville and sections of the Gulf Coast.
• Launch + 150–240 seconds: Under favorable atmospheric conditions, the plume might be visible well beyond Florida: Tallahassee and the Big Bend; southeastern Georgia coastal and inland communities; and coastal South Carolina.
• Launch + 240 seconds and beyond: Blue Origin’s map suggests that, at times and under exceptional conditions, the plume could be seen in portions of North Carolina, Alabama, Bermuda and even parts of the Caribbean.

Note: These timelines are approximate. Afternoon lighting, cloud cover, haze and observer elevation will strongly affect what you can see.

Where to watch and viewing tips

For the best in-person experience, head to the Space Coast (Brevard County) or other coastal viewing spots on the Treasure and Fun coasts. Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens for photos; a clear, unobstructed view of the southern horizon helps. If skies are partly cloudy or bright from afternoon sun, the launch plume may be more visible than the rocket itself. Never look directly at the sun; sunglasses can reduce glare but will not help you spot the rocket plume if it is faint.

If you prefer a live stream and expert commentary, Blue Origin and major space outlets typically offer a webcast beginning about two hours before liftoff. Local coverage and a live feed may also be available via space-focused news sites and Florida Today’s launch pages.

Sources and additional information

This article summarizes Blue Origin’s published NG‑2 flight-path and visibility graphic and public mission details. For official updates, webcast links and real-time launch status, check Blue Origin’s channels and local launch-coverage pages. Visibility estimates are intended as guidance, not guarantees.

Corrected location names where applicable (e.g., Tybee Island, GA) and clarified viewing conditions and safety tips. This content was edited for clarity, flow and accuracy.