SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 carrying 29 Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral on the first night of Hanukkah 2025. The launch window opens at 9:43 p.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 14, and runs through 1:43 a.m. ET on Monday, Dec. 15. If skies are clear, observers along the Treasure Coast may see the bright launch plume as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach. Live coverage begins two hours before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space.
Watch SpaceX’s Falcon 9 Launch 29 Starlink Satellites — How To See It From the Treasure Coast
Who's up for a late-night rocket launch? On the first night of Hanukkah 2025, SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 carrying 29 Starlink internet satellites from Cape Canaveral. Local skywatchers along the Treasure Coast and parts of Volusia County often get excellent views when weather and trajectory cooperate.
Mission Details
Mission: SpaceX Falcon 9 deploying 29 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit.
Launch Window: 9:43 p.m. ET Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025 — 1:43 a.m. ET Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.
Launch Site: Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Trajectory: Southeast.
Sonic Booms: None expected.
When And Where To Watch
Visibility depends on cloud cover, local weather and the rocket's flight path. If skies are clear, the launch may be visible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and as far south as West Palm Beach. Nighttime and pre-dawn liftoffs are especially photogenic — the rocket and its illuminated exhaust trail can create striking images against a dark sky.
Live Coverage
USA TODAY Network’s Space Team will stream live coverage starting two hours before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. Coverage includes a mobile-friendly live blog with updates, visuals and a countdown clock. Download the free FLORIDA TODAY app from the App Store or Google Play for alerts and viewing.
Recommended Treasure Coast Viewing Spots
- Sebastian Inlet State Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (entrance fee applies)
- Wabasso Beach Park, 1808 Wabasso Beach Road, Wabasso
- Ambersands Beach Park, 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (free parking)
- South Beach Park, 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (free parking)
- Merrill Barber Bridge, Vero Beach
- Alma Lee Loy Bridge, Vero Beach
Additional Nearby Viewing Sites
- Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, 905 Shorewinds Drive, Fort Pierce
- Blind Creek Beachside North & South, 5460 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce
- Blue Heron Beach, 2101 Blue Heron Blvd., Fort Pierce
- Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, 3600 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce
- Dollman Park Beachside, 9200 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach
- Herman's Bay Beach, 7880 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach
- John Brooks Park Beachside, 3300 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce
- Middle Cove Beach, 4600 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce
- Normandy Beach, Jensen Beach
- Pepper Park Beachside, 3302 N. SR A1A, Fort Pierce
- Walton Rocks (Dog Park), 6700 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach
- Waveland Beach, 10350 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach
- State Road A1A Causeway, Stuart
- House of Refuge and Beach, 301 S.E. MacArthur Blvd., Stuart
Viewing Tips
- Check weather and the live blog before heading out — the launch window is long and conditions can change.
- Bring a tripod and wide-angle lens for night photography; long exposures highlight the exhaust trail.
- Arrive early to find parking and a clear sightline, and dress for cooler night temperatures.
For questions or comments, contact FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com or Brooke Edwards at bedwards@floridatoday.com. For the latest space news and live updates, visit floridatoday.com/space.
