Latest news with #BrevardCounty
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
SpaceX dinnertime rocket launch window: List of Florida beaches, parks, best views to watch
A dinnertime rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, is slated to lift off on Monday evening. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will potentially deploy the Boeing-built ninth and 10th O3B mPOWER satellites into medium-Earth orbit, SES reported. Rockets here launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center near Merritt Island, Florida, or Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and people around Brevard County can usually see this phenomenon. Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, a rocket launch from Florida's Space Coast could be visible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach and as far south as Vero Beach or West Palm Beach (see videos and photo gallery with this story). When there's a launch window in the middle of the night or very early morning, there's an opportunity for unique photos — the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail after makes for a great photo. Below is more information on rocket launches in Florida and suggestions on where to watch them from the Space Coast. Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule at Cape Canaveral For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@ or Space Reporter Brooke Edwards at bedwards@ For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit When is the next SpaceX rocket launch in Florida? No earlier than Monday, July 21: SpaceX O3B mPOWER 9 and 10 Mission: SpaceX will launch a Falcon 9 rocket and deploy the Boeing-built ninth and 10th O3B mPOWER satellites into medium-Earth orbit, SES reported. Launch window: 5 p.m. to 8:13 p.m. ET Location: Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Trajectory: Due east. Sonic booms: No. Live coverage starts 90 minutes before liftoff at : You can watch live rocket launch coverage from USA TODAY Network's Space Team, which consists of FLORIDA TODAY space reporters Rick Neale and Brooke Edwards and visuals journalists Craig Bailey, Malcolm Denemark and Tim Shortt. Our Space Team will provide up-to-the-minute updates in a mobile-friendly live blog, complete with a countdown clock, at starting 90 minutes before liftoff. You can download the free FLORIDA TODAY app, which is available in the App Store or Google Play, or type into your browser. Live weather radar: Will it rain in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, Florida, today? Will weather cancel a rocket launch? Shown is the National Weather Service-Melbourne radar, which shows conditions in real-time for the Space Coast, Brevard County, Orlando and other parts of Florida. The current date and time show up on the bottom right of this radar embed; otherwise, you may need to clear your cache. Where to watch SpaceX rocket launch from Space Coast of Florida Pretty much anywhere in Brevard, you'll get a view of the rocket launch − in certain areas, you can get an amazing view of SpaceX rocket boosters returning to the pads. The best view to watch a rocket launch from the Space Coast is along the beach. However, visibility will depend on weather conditions and people should make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges and to follow posted rules at beaches. If you are viewing the launch along the Indian River in Titusville from Space View Park or Parrish Park, look east directly across the river. If you are farther south along the Indian River, look northeast. Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore is the closest spot to view liftoff because it is almost parallel to Launch Pad 39A. On the beach, look south along the coastline, (you can even see the pad from some spots). Some hotspots to check out: Jetty Park Beach and Pier, 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral. Note, there's a charge to park. Playalinda Beach, 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Note, there's a charge to park, and access to Canaveral National Seashore isn't always granted depending on capacity and time of day. Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Note, parking is available on both sides of Max Brewer Bridge. Space View Park, 8 Broad St., Titusville 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 (just before State Road 520 Causeway) Cocoa Village, near the parks and shops or near the docks Various parks on Merritt Island Rotary Park, 1899 S. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island Kiwanis Park on Kiwanis Island Park Road on Merritt Island Port Canaveral, with ships from Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean at port Alan Shepard Park, 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs. Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. Parking fee varies. Lori Wilson Park, 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Lori Wilson Park has a dog park, by the way. Sidney Fischer Park, 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs. Downtown Cocoa Beach, along Minutemen Causeway Tables Beach, 197 SR A1A, Satellite Beach The Tides on SR A1A in Satellite Beach Various parks, including the Pelican Beach Clubhouse, in Satellite Beach Pineda Causeway Eau Gallie Causeway Front Street Park near Melbourne (U.S. 192) Causeway and U.S. 1 in Melbourne Indialantic boardwalk at Melbourne Causeway and SR A1A Paradise Beach Park, aka Howard Futch Park, 2301 SR A1A, Melbourne (this is a beachside park) Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter) This article originally appeared on Florida Today: SpaceX rocket launch from Florida: How to watch Monday night's launch Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Kennedy Space Center opens The Gantry at LC-39 attractions
There's a new stop along the popular tour at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, and it presents views that showcase Florida's nature and modern technology. The Gantry at LC-39 is now available to the public at the Brevard County attraction, part of its Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour. The area includes a four-story structure topped by an interactive rocket design experience and showcases a test-fire simulation to folks on the ground. It's designed to present fun, hands-on activities alongside education, said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the visitor complex. 'We're learning about the dwell time and what captures kids,' he said. One attention-grabber is the rocket seen in The Gantry and a big-screen countdown steered by Sol, referred to as artificial intelligence. Once we get hit 3-2-1-zero, the unit swings and lets off steam upon observers below. It's meant to be a fiery simulation, but fear not, it's certainly more foggy than fearfully hot. Those engine components are real pieces from an Apollo-era J-2 rocket engine. On the top level (accessed by stairways or elevator) is an enclosed, air-conditioned area that focuses on engineering aspects and the hands-on building of virtual space vehicles. 'You get to build a rocket, and you get to learn what it takes for different types of missions, which engines to pick, how much fuel to pick and the payload capacity you need in order to make that launch successful,' Protze said. A dozen designing people face monitors at a time in this activity, but also intriguing are the stools there. They're pistons from one of NASA's famed Crawler-Transporters. The stands to watch launches at The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center guests check out the Gantry at LC-39, a new experience that includes a test-fire simulation. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Media tour of The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience to visitors of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) A J-2 engine with real components from an Apollo era J-2 rocket engine at The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) The Earth Information Center is seen during a media tour of The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience for visitors of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center guests check out the Gantry at LC-39, a new experience that includes a test-fire simulation. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Media tour of The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience to visitors of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) A short film in the Earth Information Center at The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Mounted binoculars provide views of the launch pads during a media tour of The Gantry at LC-39, on Thursday. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Mobile Launcher 2 under construction, seen from The Gantry at LC-39 during a media tour of The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience to visitors of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A seen during a media tour of The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience to visitors of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center guests check out the Gantry at LC-39, a new experience that includes a test-fire simulation. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Media tour The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience for visitors of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) A J-2 engine, whose top has real components from an Apollo-era J-2 rocket engine. Media tour of The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience to visitors of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) A simulated J-2 engine test at The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) The stands to watch launches at The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Stools made from pistons taken from one of NASA's Crawler-Transporters at The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Sign for the Earth Information Center during a media tour of The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience to visitors of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) The Vehicle Assembly Building seen from The Gantry at LC-39 during a media tour of The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience to visitors of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) A short film in the Earth Information Center during a media tour of The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience to visitors of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel) Show Caption1 of 20A rocket builder activity at The Gantry at LC-39, a new guest experience at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, on Thursday, July 10, 2025. (Ricardo Ramirez Buxeda/Orlando Sentinel)Expand On the in-between levels are open-air views of historic launch pads. In some cases, there are binoculars to look at nature (wild pigs and vultures) as well as Launch Complex 39 – Pad B, from where the Hubble Space Telescope was sent up, and the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The bleacher area was also expanded for watching real-life launches from pads 40 and 41, which are about 2.7 miles away from The Gantry at LC-39. On the ground level are shaded play areas inspired by Florida wildlife, such as alligators and sea turtles. Nearby is the Earth Information Center with a four-minute film and electronic displays, including the Science on a Sphere, a floating globe that reveals data on topics such as ocean temperatures, aerosols in the air and fires, as seen from space. The Gantry, where many space shuttle launches were witnessed, was once a stop on an extra-ticket VIP tour only. Now it's part of the standard tour included with regular admission to the visitor center. Guests may linger as long as they desire in The Gantry area, then catch another bus headed for the Apollo/Saturn V Center. There's plenty to read and absorb, including a tale about an alligator getting into the Vehicle Assembly Building (thanks, automatic doors) and the fact that NASA tests engines at the Stennis Space Center in south Mississippi before sending them to KSC. 'The best thing to do is explore,' Protze said. 'That's what Kennedy is all about. That's what space exploration is all about.' Email me at dbevil@ BlueSky: @themeparksdb. Threads account: @dbevil. X account: @themeparks. Subscribe to the Theme Park Rangers newsletter at
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Yahoo
Brevard boy, 3, was accidentally shot by teen relative, sheriff's office says
A 3-year-old Brevard County boy was accidentally shot in the arm Monday by a 14-year-old relative, according to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. The boy is currently in stable condition and is expected to recover after being airlifted to Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, a Tuesday news release from the sheriff's office said. Deputies responded to a residence in the 4000 block of Aurantia Road in Mims around 12:20 p.m. Monday after receiving a 911 call, according to the release. The boy was being cared for by relatives there. The teenager was attempting to move a firearm to a secure location when it went off, the release said. Tod Goodyear, a sheriff's office spokesperson, said Wednesday the investigation is ongoing and there is a possibility charges may be pursued, but no arrests have been made. Florida law says any person who 'knows or reasonably should know' a minor under 16 can likely access their firearms and doesn't properly secure them can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor if the firearm comes into the possession of a minor who then uses it in a 'careless' manner. The shooting follows a June 29 incident in Lake County where a 5-year-old Eustis boy accidentally shot himself in the head with his father's gun, according to Eustis Police Chief Craig Capri. The boy was also airlifted to Arnold Palmer Hospital.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Yahoo
Melbourne police: Pedestrian struck, killed by Brightline train; investigation ongoing
Melbourne police are conducting a death investigation after a pedestrian was killed July 6 by a Brightline train. The incident occurred just before 4:30 p.m. on Sunday near U.S. Highway 1 and Masterson Street. Police say the death is being investigated as a suicide based on evidence found at the scene, according to a report from Melbourne Police Department. Anyone with possible information related to the case is asked to call the Melbourne Police Department at 321-608-6731. Tyler Vazquez is the Brevard County Watchdog Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Vazquez at 321-480-0854 or tvazquez@ Twitter: @tyler_vazquez This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Melbourne police investigate after pedestrian struck, killed by train
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Yahoo
Police: 22-year-old man faces attempted murder charge in July 3 West Melbourne shooting
A 22-year-old Melbourne man faces attempted murder and aggravated assault charges after a July 3 shooting incident in West Melbourne. Abner Manuel Pagan Otero, who turned himself in to police July 4, was booked into Brevard County Jail on a no-bond status. Police responding to reports of shots fired in the area of South Wickham Road and Coral Drive found several 9mm shell casings, West Melbourne Police said in a release. While the individuals involved had fled the scene, detective reconstructed the incident, identifying a victim and suspect through surveillance footage obtained from a nearby business, the release stated. Otero, police said, is seen discharging a firearm multiple times in the direction of the victim. An investigation is ongoing. Britt Kennerly is education/breaking news editor at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Kennerly at 321-917-4744 or bkennerly@ Twitter: @bybrittkennerly Facebook: /bybrittkennerly. This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Police: Suspect faces attempted murder charge in West Melbourne shooting
