Florida Prepares for SpaceX's Spectacular Friday the 13th Rocket Launch!

Florida Prepares for SpaceX's Spectacular Friday the 13th Rocket Launch!

As excitement builds on the Space Coast, all eyes are set on June 13, 2025, when SpaceX plans to launch its latest batch of Starlink satellites. Scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station during a launch window stretching from 7:45 a.m. to 12:16 p.m. EDT, this mission, dubbed Starlink 12-26, promises to deliver advancements in satellite internet connectivity to users worldwide.

The launch will take place at Launch Complex 40, a popular site for SpaceX missions. Observers in the area can expect sonic booms during the ascent, which has become a thrilling feature of these rocket launches. In fact, the Falcon 9 rocket will follow a southeast trajectory, providing an exciting view as it makes its way into orbit. Live coverage of the event will kick off 90 minutes prior to launch, and can be followed at floridatoday.com/space, courtesy of the USA TODAY Network’s Space Team, which includes seasoned reporters and visual journalists bringing the action to viewers at home.

Best Spots for Viewing the Launch

For those eager to catch a glimpse of the launch, several prime viewing locations have been recommended. In Indian River County, spectators can head to:

• Sebastian Inlet State Park
• Wabasso Beach Park
• Ambersands Beach Park
• South Beach Park
• Merrill Barber Bridge
• Alma Lee Loy Bridge

Meanwhile, residents in St. Lucie County can enjoy the view from:

• Fort Pierce Inlet State Park
• Blind Creek Beachside North and South
• Blue Heron Beach
• Frederick Douglass Memorial Park
• Dollman Park Beachside
• Herman’s Bay Beach
• John Brooks Park Beachside
• Middle Cove Beach
• Normandy Beach
• Pepper Park Beachside
• Walton Rocks Beach
• Waveland Beach

And for those in Martin County, the State Road A1A causeway in Stuart, along with House of Refuge and the beach, are solid bets for a great view of the rocket’s ascendance.

Leading Up to the Launch

This upcoming launch follows closely on the heels of SpaceX’s recent success with its Starlink 12-24 mission, which took flight on June 10, 2025, at 9:05 a.m. EDT. That Falcon 9 rocket, featuring booster tail number B1083, marked its 12th journey into the skies. This mission successfully landed on the droneship ‘Just Read the Instructions’ around eight minutes after liftoff, adding to the impressive statistics of SpaceX’s competitive rocket recovery program.

During the previous mission, the 45th Weather Squadron predicted a favorable 95% chance of good weather at the opening of the launch window, which dipped to 70% as the hours progressed. However, as typical in Florida, the clouds weren’t the only thing to keep an eye on; increasing shower chances loomed due to daily heating and sea breeze effects. With a similar weather forecast anticipated for the upcoming launch, it remains to be seen how this dynamic will play out on launch day.

The Falcon 9 used for the Starlink 12-24 mission carried 23 Starlink V2 Mini satellites, further enhancing SpaceX’s capability to connect users with reliable and fast satellite-based internet services. This includes a substantial number of satellites geared toward direct-to-cell capabilities—a game-changer for internet accessibility across the globe.

As the countdown to June 13 begins, Floridians and space enthusiasts alike are readying their cameras and hopes for yet another thrilling display of innovative technology. Whether you’re at the beach or in your backyard, don’t miss the chance to witness this extraordinary event unfold in the skies above us.