Atlas V launch from Cape Canaveral could be visible in Sarasota and across the Southeast
A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket is scheduled to lift off from Launch Complex 41 (LC‑41) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. After two scrubbed attempts earlier in November, ULA announced a new planned liftoff time of 10:04 p.m. ET, with a 44‑minute launch window that runs until 10:48 p.m. ET.
The rocket is carrying ViaSat‑3 Flight 2 (F2), an "ultra‑high‑capacity" Ka‑band broadband satellite for Viasat that will expand the company’s global satellite internet capability. This Atlas V is equipped with five side‑mounted solid rocket boosters, producing a bright, fast ascent that can be visible over long distances if the skies are clear.
Where and when it may be visible
Visibility depends on weather, cloud cover and lighting conditions, but ULA’s visibility graphic indicates most of Florida and portions of neighboring states could see the rocket’s plume at different mission milestones. Below are approximate sighting windows keyed to seconds after launch:
- Launch + 60 seconds: Space Coast (Brevard County), east Orlando, the Treasure Coast, Indian River County, Sebastian, Vero Beach, parts of Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach and Oak Hill.
- Launch + 90 seconds: Around payload fairing jettison: Space Coast, Daytona Beach area, Port Orange, Volusia County, Martin and St. Lucie counties, Orlando area (Sanford, Kissimmee), central Florida, Ocala and Lakeland.
- Launch + 150 seconds: Around solid rocket booster jettison: visibility may extend to Sebring, Winter Haven, Palatka, Gainesville, Jacksonville, Sarasota and Manatee counties, Tampa Bay area, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, Clearwater, West Palm Beach and parts of southern Georgia; the plume may also be visible into the Bahamas and portions of the Caribbean.
- Launch + 210 seconds: After booster separation: possible sightings in Tallahassee, Florida’s Big Bend and coastal Georgia; visibility may reach South Carolina and parts of coastal North Carolina under ideal conditions.
- Launch + 270 seconds: Coastal cities in Georgia (Savannah, Brunswick), South Carolina (Hilton Head, Charleston, Myrtle Beach) and North Carolina (Wilmington) could briefly see the flight plume.
- Launch + 330–390 seconds: In very favorable conditions, the plume may be visible from offshore locations, Bermuda and wider areas of the Caribbean.
These time windows are estimates derived from ULA’s public flight‑visibility graphic; actual sighting opportunities will vary with atmospheric conditions, moonlight and local lighting.
Best viewing tips
- Choose a dark, open location with a clear view toward the east to southeast of the Cape.
- Bring binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens for better detail; use a tripod for long exposures.
- Arrive early to avoid traffic and find a safe, legal viewing spot — many public beaches and parks on the Space Coast, Fun Coast and Treasure Coast are popular.
- Check local weather and cloud cover shortly before launch; clouds can block or dim visibility even if the mission proceeds.
Watch online
If you prefer a video feed, ULA and local coverage will typically offer a live webcast. Full local coverage and a live webcast are scheduled to begin about 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. The Florida Today space team will provide live updates and on‑site reporting.
Why this mission matters
ViaSat‑3 F2 is the second of a planned three‑satellite ViaSat‑3 constellation designed to deliver higher bandwidth, lower latency internet service globally. Successful deployment helps expand broadband capacity for commercial and government customers.
Note: This article consolidates ULA’s public timing and visibility guidance. If you plan to watch from a distance such as Sarasota, Jacksonville, Cape Coral, Miami or locations in neighboring states, expect variable visibility dependent on weather and local lighting. If you capture photos or video, many observers share images online when distant launches are visible.
