SpaceX Falcon 9 To Launch 29 Starlink Satellites From Cape Canaveral — When And Where To Watch

A SpaceX Falcon 9 is scheduled to lift off from Florida’s Space Coast on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, carrying 29 Starlink internet satellites into low-Earth orbit. The launch departs Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on a southeast trajectory during a multi-hour window in the afternoon.

Mission Details

Mission: SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying 29 Starlink broadband satellites (rideshare)

Launch Window: 1:01 p.m. to 5:01 p.m. ET, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026

Launch Site: Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Cape Canaveral, Florida

Trajectory: Southeast

Sonic Booms: Not expected

Watch Live

Live coverage from the USA TODAY Network’s Space Team begins 90 minutes before liftoff at floridatoday.com/space. Reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards and visual journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt will provide a mobile-friendly live blog with a countdown clock, real-time updates and photos. You can also download the free FLORIDA TODAY app from the App Store or Google Play and open the Space section.

Weather & Radar

Visibility depends on weather, cloud cover and the rocket’s flight path. Check the National Weather Service–Melbourne radar for real-time conditions across the Space Coast, Brevard County and greater Orlando. If the radar’s date/time doesn’t appear correctly, try clearing your browser cache.

Best Places To Watch On The Space Coast

Beaches and riverfront parks along the Space Coast typically offer the clearest views. Beachfront vantage points often provide the best sightlines, and some locations allow views nearly parallel to the launch pad. Visibility on clear days can extend as far north as Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach and as far south as Vero Beach and West Palm Beach.

Top Public Viewing Spots (note parking or entry fees and possible access limits):

• Jetty Park Beach and Pier, 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral (parking fee)
• Playalinda Beach, Canaveral National Seashore, 1000 Playalinda Beach Road (access/parking may be limited)
• Space View Park, 8 Broad St., Titusville
• Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, Titusville (parking on both sides)
• Sand Point Park, 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville
• Rotary Riverfront Park, 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville
• Riverfront Park at Cocoa Village, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa (near SR-520 Causeway)
• Cocoa Beach: Alan Shepard Park; Cocoa Beach Pier; Lori Wilson Park; Sidney Fischer Park
• Satellite Beach beaches and parks (Tables Beach, Pelican Beach Clubhouse, The Tides)
• Pineda Causeway, Eau Gallie Causeway and Front Street Park near Melbourne
• Indialantic boardwalk, Paradise Beach Park (Howard Futch Park) and Sebastian Inlet Park (entry fee may apply)

Viewing Tips & Safety

Arrive early to secure parking and avoid traffic congestion. Follow posted rules, respect closures and do not block roadways, bridges, emergency access or private property. Many popular viewing areas enforce capacity limits and parking fees, especially at Jetty Park, Playalinda Beach and Cocoa Beach Pier.

For photographers: early-morning or nighttime launches often create dramatic lighting and colorful exhaust trails—bring a tripod and scout your location in advance.

Contact & Additional Resources

Questions or comments: FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale (rneale@floridatoday.com) and Space Reporter Brooke Edwards (bedwards@floridatoday.com). For more coverage, visit floridatoday.com/space and download the FLORIDA TODAY app.