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Sonic-Boom Advisory: SpaceX Falcon 9 NROL-77 Launch May Rattle Central Florida

WFTV
02:08 AM, 12/10/2025
Sonic-Boom Advisory: SpaceX Falcon 9 NROL-77 Launch May Rattle Central Florida

SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 carrying the NROL-77 payload from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral, with a backup window on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 2:02 p.m. About eight minutes after liftoff the first stage is expected to land at Landing Zone 2. Residents across multiple Central Florida counties were warned they may hear sonic booms during the booster’s descent; intensity will vary with weather and atmospheric conditions. Channel 9 will monitor the launch and provide ongoing updates.

SpaceX is preparing to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying the NROL-77 payload from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Residents across Central Florida were advised they may hear distant sonic booms during the mission’s booster return and landing.

Launch Details

Launch Site: Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Primary Launch Window: Tuesday (planned).
Backup Window: Wednesday, Dec. 10, with a window opening at 2:02 p.m.

Booster Landing And Sonic Booms

About eight minutes after liftoff, the Falcon 9 first stage is expected to return and touch down at SpaceX’s Landing Zone 2 at Cape Canaveral. Officials warned that the booster’s supersonic descent and landing can produce sonic booms that may be heard as distant, sharp noises on the ground.

Weather and atmospheric conditions — including temperature layers and wind — affect how loud or noticeable the booms will be, so the experience will vary by location.

Areas Likely To Hear Booms

Residents in several counties could hear the sonic booms, including Brevard, Orange, Osceola, Indian River, Seminole, Volusia, Polk, St. Lucie and Okeechobee. The booms are usually harmless but can be startling; no safety threat is expected from the sound itself.

Local Coverage

Local news outlet Channel 9 said it will continue monitoring the planned launch and provide updates on Eyewitness News. For real-time tracking and notifications, viewers may use local station apps and live streams.

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