All You Need to Know About SpaceX Launches at the Kennedy Space Center
Book Kennedy Space Center Tickets & Tours
SpaceX is a renowned satellite communications and spacecraft manufacturing company, founded by Elon Musk. The company conducts a variety of launches from the Kennedy Space Center, including crewed missions, cargo resupply missions to the International Space Station (ISS), and satellite launches.
Stay on this page to find out how to view a SpaceX launch from the Kennedy Space Center.
About the Kennedy Space Center SpaceX Launches
SpaceX launches take place frequently at the Kennedy Space Center from Launch Complex 39A (LC39A), one of its four main launch sites. LC-39A is a historic launch complex used for Apollo missions and many Space Shuttle launches, which has now been modified to support its Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy SpaceX rockets.
The partnership with NASA has allowed for a more commercially-driven approach to space travel, enabling cost-effective and innovative missions to be carried out. It has also positioned Kennedy Space Center as a key location for future space exploration and technology development.
Launch site: Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A, Florida | Find On Maps
Viewing areas: Apollo/Saturn V Center and surrounding areas
To Infinity & Beyond!
SpaceX Launches & Missions
Crewed Dragon Missions
SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft carries astronauts to and from the International Space Station. These missions are a part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, aimed at developing safe and reliable crew transportation to the ISS.
Cargo Resupply Missions
The Dragon spacecraft also regularly delivers cargo to the ISS under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) program. They supply essential scientific equipment, food, and other important items to the astronauts on the space station.
Falcon 9 Satellite Launches
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket is used to deploy various satellites into orbit for commercial, scientific, and governmental customers. These launches aim to deploy communication satellites, Earth observation satellites, and scientific payloads into space.
Falcon Heavy Launches
The Falcon Heavy, one of the most powerful rockets in the world, has also been launched from the Kennedy Space Center. Its missions aim to deploy larger payloads or send spacecraft on deep-space missions.
How Do I View a SpaceX Launch at the Kennedy Space Center?
If the SpaceX launch is taking place during the operating hours of the Kennedy Space Center (9 AM to 6 PM), you can view the launch with the KSC Explore Tour tickets. The tour bus will take you to the launch viewing area, where you can witness the spectacular departure of spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A.
If the launch is taking place outside the working hours of KSC, you will have to book separate launch tickets online.
On launch days, you also get to listen to live commentary from a space expert, making the experience more memorable. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime chance to view a rocket launch up close!
Upcoming SpaceX Launch
SpaceX Crew-7
Date: 25 August 2023
Timings: 3:49 AM
Scheduled as the seventh operational crewed flight for NASA's Commercial Crew program, SpaceX Crew-7 is set to become the eleventh overall crewed orbital mission involving a Crew Dragon spacecraft. The primary objective of Crew-7 is to ferry a team of four astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).
The crew members are Jasmin Moghbeli, a NASA astronaut, Andreas Mogensen from the European Space Agency (ESA) representing Denmark, and Konstantin Borisov, a cosmonaut from Roscosmos. During their time on the ISS, the crew will conduct scientific & technological demonstrations to aid exploration beyond the low-Earth orbit with the goal of benefiting mankind.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Kennedy Space Center SpaceX Launch
Yes, Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center is one of the four primary SpaceX launch sites.
The SpaceX launches take place at the Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A.
SpaceX conducts frequent launches at the Kennedy Space Center. Although the frequency varies based on mission schedules and demand, launches sometimes take place as regular as once or twice a month.
Yes, all the SpaceX launches that take place at the Kennedy Space Center are open for public viewing. Book the Kennedy Space Center Explore Tour to witness a rocket launch.
If the launch is taking place outside the operating hours of the Kennedy Space Center, you will need to book a separate launch ticket.
Try to arrive at least an hour before the launch is scheduled. Bus boarding will begin 30 minutes before the launch.
You can book the Kennedy Space Center Explore Tour to view a rocket launch which is priced at $105.25. The cost of booking exclusive launch tickets is usually around $250 plus tax.
The viewing area for SpaceX launches at the Kennedy Space Center launch is at the Apollo/Saturn V Center and the surrounding areas. Bleachers are available for seated viewing.
The viewing area for SpaceX launches is approximately 3.9 miles or 6.27 km away from the launch pad.
SpaceX has worked on creating state-of-the art, cost-efficient, and reusable spacecraft, which is a massive accomplishment in the field. Watching these rockets and spacecraft take off into space is an awe-inspiring and proud moment for all of mankind. Don't miss out on a chance to view these rocket launches up close!
SpaceX launches a variety of missions from KSC, including crewed missions to the International Space Station, satellite deployments, cargo resupply missions to the ISS, and more.
Yes! Spend a few hours exploring at the attractions and exhibits at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex before or after the launch.
