SPACE COAST

Astra will launch a NASA mission from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in January, the California rocket builder announced on Monday (Dec. 6).

The private space company Astra is planning its first commercial launch from Florida's Space Coast, helping NASA to put a satellite into orbit.

A list of rocket launches to look out for in the coming weeks and months.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — SpaceX will try to launch a Falcon 9 rocket from the Space Coast Thursday night. The company planned to launch the rocket Wednesday night, with dozens of Starlink satellites, but it delayed the take off and hasn’t said why. READ: Artemis Moon mission delayed to 2025, NASA administrator saysSpaceX is now looking to launch the rocket at 6:12 p.m. from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Targeting tonight at 6:12 p.m. EST for a Falcon 9 launch of 48 Starlink satellites and 2 BlackSky spacecraft to orbit from SLC-40 in Florida — SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 2, 2021Channel 9 will livestream the launch when it happens. Click here to watch it.

The Orlando Science Center's observatory is now open for private experiences.

SANFORD, Fla. — You can now head to Sanford to enjoy the new Riverwalk. City leaders cut the ribbon on the final stretch of the project on Monday. The Riverwalk also connects to a coast-to-coast trail system that stretches from St. Petersburg to the Space Coast. READ: Now hiring: Seminole County Public Works hosting hiring event today“This is a multi-mobile path. READ: National Fast Food Day 2021: Check out the freebies and dealsThe entire Riverwalk project cost about $43 million.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — SpaceX will try again Saturday to launch a batch of Starlink satellites into orbit from the Space Coast. WATCH: NASA, SpaceX’s Crew-3 successfully docks at International Space StationFriday morning’s scheduled launch was called off because of weather concerns at the launch pad and at sea in the booster recovery zone. The launch is part of SpaceX’s mission to provide worldwide high-speed internet. READ: Artemis Moon mission delayed to 2025, NASA administrator saysThe launch is set for 7:19 a.m. from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. WATCH: More than just a ‘moon selfie’: Embry-Riddle students sending camera to spaceChannel 9 will have live coverage of the launch on Eyewitness News.

Weeks after a head-on crash left Brevard County launch photographer Jenny Hautmann critically injured, the 20-year-old is recovering steadily in the hospital.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — It’s going to be a busy week for the Space Coast. NASA’s SpaceX Crew-2 mission is targeting a return to Earth on Monday, with a splashdown off the coast of Florida. The spacecraft also will return to Earth with about 530 pounds of hardware and scientific investigations. Officials said Endeavour will undock autonomously and perform a fly-around maneuver to photograph the exterior of the International Space Station. SpaceX and NASA are also preparing for their Crew-3 mission.

The SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts are scheduled to return to Earth in their Crew Dragon spacecraft Monday afternoon. The crew has been aboard the space station in low-Earth orbit since April. WATCH: NASA makes final preparations for rocket heading around the moon in FebruaryNASA and SpaceX are also hoping to launch Crew-3 atop a Falcon 9 rocket on Wednesday. The Crew-3 launch has already been pushed back several times due to weather and a medical issue with one of the astronauts. Channel 9 will have continuing coverage of Crew-2′s return to Earth and the launch of Crew-3 on Eyewitness News.

NASA and SpaceX are considering several options when it comes to the next crewed launch.

SpaceX’s Crew-3 launch was originally scheduled for Halloween, but a large storm system elevated winds and waves along the Crew Dragon’s flight path. READ: Weather forces delay in Crew-3 rocket launch, eyeing Wednesday for launchLaunch Update ➡️ @NASA's @SpaceX #Crew3 mission is now targeted for Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 1:10am ET due to a large storm system elevating winds and waves in the Atlantic Ocean along the Crew Dragon flight path for the Oct. 31 launch attempt. Learn more: https://t.co/WdCdLAKnd4 pic.twitter.com/Z2u0nFRmC6 — NASA Commercial Crew (@Commercial_Crew) October 30, 2021NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn, Kayla Barron and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Matthias Maurer will launch on the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 39A at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center. The launch would have Crew-3 arriving at the space station at about 11 p.m. Wednesday, for a short handover with the astronauts that flew to the station as part of the agency’s SpaceX Crew-2 mission. Crew-3 astronauts are set to return in late April 2022.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A workers rights rally against medical mandates will be held Thursday on the Space Coast. The rally is set to start at 6 a.m. at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station south gate, behind Port Canaveral. Organizers said aerospace workers, firefighters, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station workers, Kennedy Space Center workers and contractors will gather for a peaceful protest. READ: Dozens of Florida entities under review for violating state ‘vaccine passport’ banThey said they “are standing up against medical mandates.”Federal employees working on Florida’s Space Coast must be fully vaccinated by Nov. 22. Click here to watch Eyewitness News This Morning for live coverage of the event.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Another group of astronauts is set to lift off from the Space Coast this week. The SpaceX Falcon 9 Crew-3 mission will blast off from Launch Complex 39A Sunday morning at 2:21 a.m. from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Tom Marshburn and Kayla Barron and European Space Agency astronaut Matthias Maurer make up the third crew rotation mission to the International Space Station as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew program. The Flight Readiness Review for the #Crew3 mission has concluded and teams are proceeding toward a planned liftoff at 2:21am ET on Sunday, Oct. 31! READ: Space Coast federal employees protest vaccine mandatesIf the launch goes off as scheduled, the crew will arrive at the space station just after midnight Monday, Nov. 1.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Federal employees working on Florida’s Space Coast must be fully vaccinated by Nov. 22, but there’s another deadline approaching for thousands of workers who are employees of federal contractors. Some workers are protesting against President Joe Biden’s vaccine mandate. A group of workers and their supporters gathered Monday outside Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. READ: State of Florida joins firefighter lawsuit against Orange County over vaccine mandateWorkers know if they’re still on the job and not fully vaccinated by the Dec. 8 deadline, they could be terminated. READ: Kennedy Space Center to stay open late for overnight SpaceX Falcon 9 launchA rally against medical mandates will take place later this week and is being hosted by five unions with workers on Florida’s Space Coast.

The 20-year-old was driving to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to photograph NASA’s Lucy mission launch when her Tesla was hit head-on by a rental U-Haul truck.

Ron DeSantis to hold news conference from Florida’s Space Coast on MondayTITUSVILLE, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis will be in Titusville on Wednesday holding a news conference at the American Police Hall of Fame & Museum. DeSantis is set to speak at 11 a.m. READ: Florida’s property insurance mess cause isn’t being addressed, lawmaker saysStay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates. Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

A search was underway at a lake in Sanford for a boater who did not resurface from the water, officials said.

People on the Space Coast heard a train move through the area Thursday night.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — NASA’s Lucy mission to Jupiter’s Trojan asteroids launches Saturday from the Space Coast. READ: NASA, ULA confirm ‘all systems go’ for launch of Lucy spacecraft from Kennedy Space CenterWeather on launch day is looking great! https://t.co/eEDIpP0Eoc pic.twitter.com/2bWLbb5t9K — Lucy Mission (@LucyMission) October 13, 2021The launch is scheduled for Saturday at 5:34 a.m.Lucy will be the first spacecraft to visit the Trojan asteroids. READ: ULA, NASA finish ‘wet dress rehearsal’ for upcoming launch for to study ‘Trojan asteroids’NASA said no other space mission in history has launched to as many different destinations. Lucy has a 23-day launch window.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — This weekend, the Crew-3 astronauts will be on Florida’s Space Coast for a critical equipment test ahead of their trip to the International Space Station. During the first of two briefings before the launch, SpaceX Dragon Mission manager Sarah Walker likened the process to a test drive. NASA also announced astronaut changes for other upcoming commercial crew missions. READ: Troopers searching for driver who left the scene of deadly crash in CocoaThe astronauts were previously assigned to missions on NASA’s Boeing crew flight. “We really wanted to get Josh and Nicole experience and get them into space as soon as we can,” NASA Commercial Crew Program manager Steve Stich said.

The annual Downtown Melbourne Food & Wine Festival is coming back in November and tickets are now on sale.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will attend a news conference in Brevard County that's focused on space.

Ron DeSantis to hold news conference from Florida’s Space Coast on MondayMERRITT ISLAND, Fla. — Gov. Ron DeSantis is planning to hold a news conference on Monday morning from Florida’s Space Coast. WATCH: Space Florida works to bring U.S. Space Force training operations to FloridaThe governor’s press officer announced Sunday evening that DeSantis will speak at around 8:50 a.m. in Merritt Island. Jeanette Nuñez and Space Florida CEO Frank DiBello. WATCH: DeSantis announces more than $114M to improve water quality in FloridaIt’s unclear what the news conference will be about or how this is related to the Space Coast.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Florida Power & Light is continuing to invest in solar energy across Florida’s Space Coast. FPL has built five large-scale solar energy centers in the area. Photos: FPL continues solar energy investment across Florida’s Space CoastExpand Autoplay Image 1 of 5 FPL continues solar energy investment across Florida’s Space Coast The solar energy centers combined can produce enough clean energy to power more than 60,000 homes per year. Officials said solar energy prevents emissions equal to removing more than 56,000 cars from the road annually. The program supports community solar installations, like the solar trees at Kennedy Space Center and Brevard Zoo.

How's the Inspiration4 crew doing? Pretty good.

At 8:02 p.m. on Wednesday, the Inspiration4 mission made history by launching a team of amateur astronauts into orbit from Central Florida's Space Coast.

As SpaceX makes another historic launch, News 6 is offering multiple views of the spectacle.

Inspiration4 launch prep Preparations are underway for the historic Inspiration 4 launch from Florida's Space Coast. (SpaceX/SpaceX)CAPE CANAVERAL, FLA. — SpaceX’s first all-civilian mission is scheduled to liftoff from launch complex 39-A at Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday evening. The Inspiration 4 mission will be commanded by pilot and billionaire tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments. Isaacman said he’s using the Inspiration 4 mission to raise awareness and money for St. Jude Research Hospital. READ: All suited up: Inspiration4 crew completes full dry dress rehearsal ahead of historic launchThe launch window is set to open at 8:02 p.m. Wednesday.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A historic launch is set to take off from the Space Coast this week. The Inspiration4 crew is scheduled to lift off from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center Wednesday night on a three-day mission. READ: All suited up: Inspiration4 crew completes full dry dress rehearsal ahead of historic launchHere’s how to watch the launch:Television streaming apps:Our WFTV Now app is free on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick. Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 13 Inspiration4 launch prep Preparations are underway for the historic Inspiration 4 launch from Florida's Space Coast. READ: Inspiration4 mission doubling as fundraiser makes final preparations to launch from KSCWFTV Mobile Weather app:Free in the app store, but you can also download it by clicking on this link.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — The countdown to SpaceX’s first all-civilian mission is underway on Florida’s Space Coast. On Sunday, SpaceX and the Inspiration4 crew completed a full dry dress rehearsal of launch day. The five-hour launch window opens at 8:02 p.m.“They are going higher than anyone has gone since the Hubble Space Coast missions back in 2009,” Kremer said. An observation window will allow the crew a full view of their surroundings. The crew will perform research while on board.

The Space Coast is now home to two of SpaceX's vessels dedicated to rocket booster landings at sea.

With rising COVID-19 cases on the Space Coast, Brevard Public Schools announced Tuesday that they will reopen applications for Brevard Virtual School through Friday.

The sounds of tractors scooping up dirt take over in the northeast corner of Osceola County, an area designated for a huge development just between Lake Nona and the Space Coast.

The United Launch Alliance Atlas V booster that will loft Boeing's Crew Flight Test mission arrived at Cape Canaveral on Sunday (June 20), making the journey by boat from Decatur, Alabama.

Space Coast tourism this spring was a record-breaker.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — SpaceX is hoping the third time’s a charm for a big launch from the Space Coast. After being delayed twice this year, the company will launch its 22nd resupply mission to the International Space Station on Thursday afternoon. Read: Scattered thunderstorms to move through Central Florida this afternoonA Falcon 9 rocket is scheduled to launch from the Kennedy Space Center just before 1:30 p.m. It will be carrying SpaceX’s upgraded Cargo Dragon 2 spacecraft, filled with science investigations, supplies and equipment for astronauts on board the space station. Watch: SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket from Cape CanaveralBad weather postponed the launch last month, and in March.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. — Florida’s Space Coast may see two rocket launches over the next three days. SpaceX plans to launch its 26th batch of Starlink satellites atop a Falcon 9 rocket on Saturday. Watch: Alcohol to-go is now permanent in FloridaThe launch is set for 6:24 p.m. and the weather is forecast to be 70% favorable for launch. ULA is set to launch an Atlas V rocket carrying the SBIRS GEO Flight 5 mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space and Missile System Center. Follow the mission in our live blog: https://t.co/G1bRZZZ1gx pic.twitter.com/WV21sgi1Yt — ULA (@ulalaunch) May 13, 2021Channel 9 will have LIVE coverage of both rocket launches if they happen.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Another batch of SpaceX’s Starlink satellites is in orbit right now after a successful launch from Florida’s Space Coast early Sunday. pic.twitter.com/8KeEAfHgWF — SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 9, 2021The booster returned to Earth after launch and landed on SpaceX’s “Just Read the Instructions” droneship, completing its 10th launch and landing. Watch: SpaceX launches, lands Starship in first successful flightThis is SpaceX’s second Starlink launch in less than a week. Deployment of 60 Starlink satellites confirmed pic.twitter.com/RarbrcfUml — SpaceX (@SpaceX) May 9, 2021The satellites will help bring high-speed internet access worldwide. Photo: SpaceX launch: 10 stunning photos captured by skygazers

With anticipation building for Friday's launch of four astronauts to the International Space Station, families are making plans along the Space Coast to secure a spot for watching the liftoff.

Choose how you want to watch the Crew-2 launch from Cape Canaveral.

News 6 space expert Emilee Speck sat down with News 6 anchor Justin Warmoth for "The Weekly on ClickOrlando.com" about launch plans for the next crewed mission.

COCOA BEACH, Fla. – Cocoa Beach — the Space Coast’s premier tourism spot — soon will see new sands, dredged up and pumped in from shoals several miles offshore of Cape Canaveral. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will begin placing the new sand on the so-called North Reach section of its Brevard County Shore Protection Project “on or about March 20,” News 6 partner Florida Today reports. That estimated $15 million project is expected to be completed by April 30, county officials say, when beach widening projects must stop to prevent disrupting endangered and threatened sea turtle nesting. AdThe Cocoa Beach project, also expected to be complete by April 30, is the latest in a series of periodic federal beach renourishments that began in 2000. The source sand for the Cocoa Beach project will be dredged from Canaveral Shoals, about five miles offshore of Cape Canaveral.

The early morning launch marked the 21st dedicated to delivering Starlink satellites, but SpaceX has also sent up its own spacecraft on other ride-sharing rockets. The last Starlink launch happened March 4 and SpaceX is targeting another launch a few days after the current liftoff. In the past month, Elon Musk’s company has begun expanding the internet service provided with the global satellite network and is accepting orders in Central Florida for the dishes required to get the sought after WiFi. During the last Starlink launch, SpaceX engineers said they now have more than 10,000 customers, a number that will need to grow substantially if SpaceX wants to make ends meet with this internet service venture and fund its other endeavors, including the Starship spaceship under development in Texas. AdFalcon 9’s first stage has landed on the Just Read the Instructions droneship pic.twitter.com/fI2VvU3kWO — SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 11, 2021Deployment of 60 Starlink satellites confirmed pic.twitter.com/vltm8NijZC — SpaceX (@SpaceX) March 11, 2021Use the form below to sign up for the ClickOrlando.com space newsletter, sent every Wednesday afternoon.

It’s almost like pre-pandemic spring break, says Thompson. Another sign that spring break tourism is rebounding is the passenger figures at Orlando International Airport, traditionally one of the nation’s busiest airports during spring break. AdSoft national numbersNationally, however, spring break tourism demand remains soft. Despite the nationwide progress on COVID-19 vaccines, spring break travel intentions actually appear to be dropping. The 12.4% who plan to travel for spring break is down from 16% the week prior, the poll by Destination Analysts found.

A 33-year-old Titusville man suspected of killing his mother during a dispute -- the ninth case of homicide for the Space Coast since Christmas Eve -- is being held without bond at the Brevard County Jail Complex. Sheriff’s investigators said Main battered his mother at a home on La Grange Road north of Titusville. Deputies determined that a domestic dispute had taken place, leading Main to attack his mother. A public defender was appointed for Main, court records show. A court hearing for Main has been scheduled for March 11 at the Titusville Historic Court House.

ORLANDO, Fla. – As people gathered on the Space Coast Sunday for another magnificent SpaceX launch, others watched the lift-off to say their final farewells to loved ones. Among the satellites in its payload were other precious cargo: ashes. SpaceX had several customers sending satellites for this launch including DARPA and NASA. “My daughter was in the place of your loved one as well,” Stott said. She said she imagines Celestis memorial flights to be the same for loved ones physically leaving Earth.

Doug Gray of Melbourne brought his 87-year-old dad to the health department drive-through site in Vero Beach rather than the Brevard County site in Viera. News 6 also met people Tuesday from Palm Beach County, an hour and a half away. And also like the Florida Department of Health in Brevard County, Indian River County advised people to sign up for its text-alerts to know immediately when new appointments open up. “I can’t say enough about Indian River County and the whole nine yards. In Indian River, the county Tuesday afternoon said it does not know when its next shipment is coming.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Following a very busy year, SpaceX started 2021 with a launch on Thursday night from Cape Canaveral, sending up a Turkish communications satellite. The Space Coast hosted more than 30 rocket launches last year and 2021 promises to top that as SpaceX continues to build its Starlink satellite constellation to provide global internet, launching a new batch of spacecraft with increasing frequency. [TRENDING: Seniors sleep in cars waiting for vaccine | How to get vaccine in Fla. | ‘Amen and awoman:’ Backlash over prayer]A Falcon 9 rocket launched a satellite called Turksat-5A Thursday evening from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Space Launch Complex 40. Turksat is a satellite operation company located in Turkey. According to Turkish news site AA.com, the broadband satellite will provide television services and expand broadband data for Turkey, the Middle East, southern Europe and part of Africa.

The National Weather Service earlier this week warned that South Florida could experience the coldest Christmas Day in 21 years. Morning lows on Saturday could drop into the low 30s and 40s degrees Fahrenheit, the weather service said. Much colder temps expected for Christmas,” the National Weather Service in Miami tweeted earlier this week. A squall line with severe storms and fast-moving winds also was headed for north Florida on Christmas Eve. The pandemic also was impacting a Space Coast tradition — Surfing Santa Day, which takes place the day before Christmas.

COCOA BEACH, Fla. – The tradition of dressing up like St. Nick and hitting the waves continues in Cocoa Beach for the 11th annual Surfing Santa event in Cocoa Beach. “I saw them surfing... Santa Clause,” said Mason, a child watching from the shoreline Thursday morning. The event usually draws tens of thousands of people to the Space Coast and hundreds of surfers from across the globe. Although the event was held virtually this year, hundreds of families still decided to show up and continue their Christmas Eve tradition. But he said the experience is unlike any other with families bringing the Christmas spirit to life.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – UPDATE:SpaceX’s last launch of 2020 went off without a hitch from Florida’s Space Coast Saturday morning. Falcon 9’s first stage has landed on Landing Zone 1 pic.twitter.com/mR18Qv3GoC — SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 19, 2020Saturday’s launch marked the 26th and final mission for SpaceX in 2020. Webcast will go live ~15 minutes before liftoff → https://t.co/bJFjLCzWdK — SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 19, 2020“Today will be a chilly one across Central Florida with mostly clear skies and gusty northerly winds. Its target: Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, which is about 9 miles south of pad 39A. ETLaunch Pad: 39A at Kennedy Space CenterLanding: Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral Space Force StationWeather: 90% “go”Florida Today’s Emre Kelly contributed to this report.

The Falcon 9 rocket was scheduled to liftoff at 9:45 a.m. Thursday but the launch was placed on hold about a minute beforehand. Teams are working toward a backup launch opportunity of tomorrow with a three-hour window opening at 9:00 a.m. EST — SpaceX (@SpaceX) December 17, 2020Both the payload and the rocket are healthy. The launch window opens at 9 a.m. and runs until noon. After liftoff, Falcon 9′s 162-foot first stage booster will separate from the second stage, then start its descent back toward Florida. Launch detailsRocket: SpaceX Falcon 9Mission: NRO intelligence satelliteLaunch Time: TBDLaunch Window: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

This is happening as Vice President Mike Pence is making a stop on the Space Coast this week for his final space council meeting, weeks before a new administration moves in. “It’s an extraordinarily exciting time in the life of this program,” Pence said in May, at the last meeting of the council. Pence is set to return to the Cape this Wednesday to lead his final National Space Council’s meeting. “The National Space Council has been a real positive development for the U.S. space program,” said Dale Ketcham of Space Florida. Space Florida expects a new presidency to keep the National Space Council, but its direction and its policies moving forward could change.

Despite 2020′s breakneck rocket launch cadence, the Space Coast likely has just enough missions left up its sleeve to push the year even further into record-breaking territory, News 6 partner Florida Today reports. This year’s cadence has been hosted entirely by SpaceX Falcon 9 and United Launch Alliance Atlas V rockets. The 11:39 a.m. liftoff will mark the first time SpaceX flies its updated Cargo Dragon spacecraft for NASA. SpaceX will likely announce a target date after the ISS cargo launch. SpaceX has also not confirmed if December will host any Starlink constellation launches, which make up more than half of the Space Coast’s 2020 cadence.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – National Geographic is recognizing Florida’s Space Coast as a gem among other global destinations ranking it one of the world’s best destinations to visit with families. The world leader in geography and exploration releases an annual list of locations rising in popularity that travelers should visit. After launching astronauts into space in 2020 and reviving the excitement around space culture, National Geographic says all systems are go to unlocking the experiences that exist just east of Orlando. Describing the Space Coast as a “must visit," the network points to Florida’s shoreline and beaches, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. To take a look at National Geographic’s full list, click here.

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – A crippling pandemic didn’t stop history from being made on Florida’s Space Coast on Sunday. Back then, Brevard County had 420 total COVID-19 cases. Now, Brevard County has experienced more than 13,000 cases and 400-plus COVID-19 deaths. CasesThe Florida Department of Health reported 10,105 new cases on Sunday, bringing the state’s overall total to 885,201 cases since March. DeathsThe Florida Department of Health on Sunday reported 30 people have recently died from COVID-19.

ORLANDO, Fla. – NASA and SpaceX will once again have to thread the needle for Sunday evening’s Crew-1 astronaut launch. An approaching cold front will bring increasing clouds and the threat of scattered downpours to the Space Coast. The 45th Weather Squadron downgraded the launch probability of Sunday’s launch from 60% go to 50%. Launch concerns SundayWeather pushed back the initial launch scheduled for Saturday evening. Wave heights as of Sunday morningThere will be a few stray showers earlier in the day Sunday if you’re planning on getting a good spot for the scheduled launch.

It’s unclear if the 24-hour delay will impact how many space fans are expected to drive from out of town to watch the historic launch. Cranis said the first SpaceX human space launch generated $27 million to $28 million in economic impact in Brevard — a welcome boost during the coronavirus-triggered recession. “Alternate routes include State Road 520, U.S. 1, State Road 50 and State Road 46,” Ottaviano said. “Be alert on Interstate 95 for potential slow-downs or back-ups, especially approaching off-ramps throughout Brevard County. Updates will also be issued on the Brevard County Emergency Management Twitter page and Facebook page.

A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket thundered to life and streaked away from Cape Canaveral in a dramatic sunset launch, putting on a spectacular Friday the 13th sky show visible across Florida's Space Coast. A United Launch Alliance Atlas 5 rocket blasts off from Cape Canaveral Wednesday evening carrying a classified National Reconnaissance Office satellite. ULA says the new boosters are more economical and are easier to handle during ground processing. Ted Molczan, a respected independent satellite analyst, speculated the payload was either a Satellite Data System spacecraft, used to pick up and pass on signals from spy satellites in lower orbits, or a signals intelligence satellite used to eavesdrop on targeted communications. But no details about the final orbit of the satellite launched Wednesday were immediately available.

Well, I have some news for you: We were wrong again. And Central Florida is dealing with Eta’s impacts as we speak. In the meantime, Central Florida is already feeling Eta’s impacts, especially along the coast. As you know, Biden will be taking over during a very tough time in our nation, largely in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In better coronavirus-related news, there are now more rapid testing opportunities in Central Florida.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – ***9:48 p.m. 10/2/2020***SpaceX has scrubbed the Friday night launch of a GPS satellite for the U.S. Space Force and Air Force. First up, SpaceX is set to launch a GPS satellite for the U.S. Space Force and Air Force. SpaceX plans to land the rocket booster on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean less than 10 minutes after liftoff. This launch will send the Starlink satellite constellation near 800 spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. SpaceX and its competitor United Launch Alliance have both scrubbed multiple rocket launches for technical and weather issues this week.

It started out with the chance for three launches but as of Thursday morning, after two scrubs in less than 12 hours from ULA and SpaceX, it’s down to one remaining Falcon 9 liftoff. A Falcon 9 rocket was set to liftoff at 9:17 a.m. from launchpad 39A at KSC but it wasn’t meant to be. One of Falcon 9′s fairing halves was used during two previous Starlink launches, according to SpaceX. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk said in a tweet the company is “prioritizing emergency responders and locations with no Internet connectivity at all” for its first customers. Happy to have the support of @SpaceX’s Starlink internet as emergency responders look to help residents rebuild the town of Malden, WA that was overcome by wildfires earlier this month.

Last year, Krystal Hise raised $3,000 for charity through Tails of the Space Coast Vol.1. Now in production, Tails of the Space Coast Vol. 2 has the goal of raising $5,000 for Canine Companions for Independence. Winners will be announced on Saturday during Canine Companion’s Virtual DogFest Space Coast event on Facebook. To reserve a copy of Tails of the Space Coast Vol.

We are expecting another soggy and windy day as a weak front gradually moves over Central Florida. Central Florida will remain under a strong northeasterly wind, due to the proximity of an area of low pressure just off the Space Coast. This windy weather will create many issues along the coast today, as winds will be gusting at over 35 to 40 mph. High Risk of Rip Currents: Lifeguards will be flying the red flag today as the threat for rip currents remain high. Rain chances remain high, at about 70 percent, with mostly cloudy skies.

SpaceX was targeting Thursday afternoon to launch its 13th batch of Starlink satellites into orbit on a Falcon 9 rocket but the company decided to stand down on the attempt to to an issue with the rocket landing site at sea. The company also confirmed one half of the Falcon 9 rocket’s nose cone previously launched two other batches of Starlink satellites. Targeting September 17 at 2:19 p.m. EDT for Falcon 9 launch of 60 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 39A — SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 16, 2020SpaceX last launched 60 Starlink satellites on Sept. 3, bringing the company’s total to near 700 spacecraft in orbit with the goal of providing high-speed internet to the world. SpaceX plans to roll out internet service in the U.S. and Canada later this year, according to the Starlink website. Check back to ClickOrlando.com/space for updates leading up to launch and watch live at the top of this story.

Most rockets launching from the Space Coast travel east over the ocean, but to reach for polar orbit, the Falcon 9 had to veer south. A polar orbit is just what it sounds like -- the satellite orbits around the North and South poles -- which is better for imaging, spy and weather satellites. Making history with this polar orbit launch could mean more business for the Elon Musk-led company and his competitors. Until now, most American rockets aiming for a polar orbit have launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California in order to avoid traveling over populated areas. This means we could see even more traffic at the Cape for those heading into a polar orbit.

Space Curious, a new podcast by WKMG News 6 and Graham Media will answer those questions and more during its debut season coming this August. Hosted by WKMG space reporter Emilee Speck and edited by Graham Media Director of Podcasts, Zak Rosen, each episode will answer space-related questions submitted from our audience. With the help from experts, including scientists, engineers, fellow space journalist and astronauts, Space Curious will bring fascinating topics to your favorite podcast platform. Space Curious was created to inspire everyone, from those with a mild interest in space exploration to the space fanatics. Check out episodes below:Subscribe to a weekly newsletter to receive the latest in space news directly to your inbox here.

The current forecast from the 45th Space Wing shows an 80% chance of favorable launch weather for the four-hour window. A Delta IV Heavy launch alone would be a treat to see because the powerful three-booster, 235-foot-tall rocket doesnt launch very often. Ahead of the launch, ULA did something unusual with the rocket. It used the rocket and launch hangar as a backdrop to project an interactive video, known as 3D mapping. Its the first time a real rocket has been used as a landscape for art, according to ULA.

What do you want to know about spaceflight and planetary exploration in the era of a new space industry? Space exploration is fueled by the need to answer questions about the great unknown. There’s no need to have a background in physics or a degree in engineering; this is open for the space curious to the space obsessed. Space reporter Emilee Speck will answer your intergalactic questions with help from astronauts, scientists and engineers. Your questions could be featured on Space Curious, a podcast from Graham Media Group and ClickOrlando.com.

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. – Florida’s Space Coast is preparing for a busy summer with a NASA Mars rover launch coming up and SpaceX launching satellites on a near-weekly basis. According to the 45th Weather Squadron forecast, SpaceX is targeting Thursday for the next Starlink launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. When the satellites first launch they are closer to Earth before moving deeper into space. SpaceX lead manufacturing engineer Jessica Anderson explained how the company is addressing those concerns during a recent Starlink launch. https://t.co/iq4oKMrMuA pic.twitter.com/38wFSaUXFV — ULA (@ulalaunch) June 22, 2020Meanwhile down the road at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, United Launch Alliance is preparing to launch NASA’s next Mars rover.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. Brevard County officials, along with Gov. Ron DeSantis, announced Thursday the Space Coast will host the 54th annual AAU Junior Olympic GamesThe Amateur Athletic Union Junior Olympic Games draw around 5,000 or more athletes as well as their couches and family members. The annual games were previously set to be held in Virginia this year but due to the coronavirus pandemic, AAU officials were notified they couldnt use any sports facilities in the state. AAU President Dr. Roger J. Goudy said the organization immediately began working with officials in Brevard County as an alternative location. The Junior Olympic Games will start the third or fourth week in July and run through the first week of August, according to AAU officials.

Fontenot, he put together the crew and was like, 'Wow, all of these launch weather officers and all of these personnel are female. Maj. Emily Graves will be the Launch Weather Commander, meaning she will give the final "go" for launch if all weather conditions have cleared. Zimmerman will be the Launch Weather Director who will oversee the entire team on launch day. Jessica Williams will be the Radar Launch Weather Officer who will assist Moses on launch day as well as analyzing the radar and lightning data. According to Lovin and Williams, the radar launch weather position can be one of the busiest positions on launch day, especially if weather is bad.

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. Immediately after SpaceX scrubbed Wednesdays scheduled launch of two astronauts to the International Space Station, many rain-soaked spectators lining the Indian River vowed to return for the next attempt this weekend. We prepared ourselves (for the scrub), said Susan Cullom, who traveled with her family from Wesley Chapel to witness the historic launch. Since Marburger remains furloughed from his job due to the pandemic, he hoped to catch the launch with other spectators along the Indian River. [READ MORE: How News 6 plans to capture historic launch views | What happens if NASA astronauts need to abort?] I saw the first launch when I was four years old and I saw the last launch in 2011, Ferris said.

Elon Musks SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule will make that historic achievement. With SpaceX, NASA will be paying about $55 million a seat to fly NASA astronauts, according to a NASA Office of Inspector General report. Countdown Dress Rehearsal CompleteToday, @NASA astronauts @Astro_Doug and @AstroBehnken participated in a dress rehearsal of the launch day events. The last president to attend an astronauts launch from Florida was President Bill Clinton. NASA also recently selected SpaceXs Starship, along with several other commercial companies, to fly NASA astronauts to the moon under the Artemis program.

Ron DeSantis May 20 where he held a round table meeting to discuss reopening the states economy as new cases of COVID-19 were continually diagnosed and reported. This brings the reported total number of cases to 52,634, as well as 2,319 total deaths as a result of the respiratory illness since it was first detected in the state on March 1. While Berthas track will have the storm missing Florida, it could be a sign of a particularly active season for weather forming off the tropics. News 6 spoke to emergency management officials who gave advice and tips on stock up for hurricane season during a pandemic and cautioned Floridians to pack extra patience in the event that a hurricane heads towards the state. [READ MORE: Heres how the coronavirus pandemic will impact hurricane season in Florida]

Other than the areas NASA typically closes for launches, such as portions of State Road 3, people will likely encounter few restrictions on where they can see Wednesdays scheduled liftoff. The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center remains closed due to the pandemic, but other popular launch viewing areas, such as the Max Brewer Bridge and parks lining the Indian River in Titusville, will be accessible during the countdown. The City of Titusville remains open for all launch viewers and there are no restrictions within our city limits, said a police department spokesperson. Marshall Stout traveled from Alabama with his wife and two grandchildren with the sole purpose of catching this week's scheduled launch. "It's a big time for our nation," said Derek Tallent, an Atlanta resident who brought his young son to see the launch.

PORT ORANGE, Fla. All eyes will be on the Space Coast for the first manned launch from American soil in nearly ten years. Among them will be retired Lt. Col. Jim Goetcheus, who lives in Port Orange, but remembers his time with the first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong. He was my pledge father at Purdue, Goetcheus said. However that moment in time hasnt faded away; it surfaces up whenever he sees the boundaries Armstrong broke during the summer of 1969. SpaceX is set to launch the Falcon 9 rocket with the Crew Dragon spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A at 4:33 p.m. Wednesday.

ORLANDO, Fla. The Space Coast will soon return to glory. For the first time in nearly a decade, American astronauts will be launched from American soil on American-made rockets. Liftoff is set for 4:33 p.m. Wednesday from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. In light of such a significant moment for human spaceflight, News 6 and ClickOrlando.com space expert Emilee Speck joined The Weekly this week to discuss the mission, the astronauts and the new-age space race. [RETURN TO SPACE: NASA astronauts arrive in Florida, marking 1 week countdown to historic launch]

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. President Donald Trump will visit the Space Coast next week to witness the historic launch of NASA astronauts from Kennedy Space Center, according to White House officials. Behnken and Hurley will blast off from Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A -- the same historic pad used by Apollo astronauts who launched to the moon -- in a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. Our destiny, beyond the Earth, is not only a matter of national identity but a matter of national security," Trump said. The astronauts are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station at 4:33 p.m. next Wednesday. On Friday, the SpaceX rocket passed its final review before the big day, completing a flight readiness review and a static test fire of the Falcon 9.

Watch live as Boeing launches its Starliner capsule atop United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket for an uncrewed orbital flight test as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. It might not be Christmas yet, but Boeing is gearing up to give the Space Coast a present a few days before the holiday. Scheduled to liftoff at 6:36 a.m. Friday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 41, Boeing will launch its Starliner capsule atop United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket for an uncrewed orbital flight test as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Atlas V will leave a smoky trailDue to the solid rocket boosters on the Atlas V rocket, spectators will see a smoky trail different from when SpaceX launches its Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy rocket from the launch pad. If so, it will be similar to the last Atlas V launch in August, which resulted in a beautiful jellyfish-like orb in the sky as the rising sun lit the ice crystals suspended in the rocket's exhaust.

Watch live as Boeing launches its Starliner capsule atop United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket for an uncrewed orbital flight test as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. It might not be Christmas yet, but Boeing is gearing up to give the Space Coast a present a few days before the holiday. Scheduled to liftoff at 6:36 a.m. Friday from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 41, Boeing will launch its Starliner capsule atop United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket for an uncrewed orbital flight test as part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program. Atlas V will leave a smoky trailDue to the solid rocket boosters on the Atlas V rocket, spectators will see a smoky trail different from when SpaceX launches its Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy rocket from the launch pad. If so, it will be similar to the last Atlas V launch in August, which resulted in a beautiful jellyfish-like orb in the sky as the rising sun lit the ice crystals suspended in the rocket's exhaust.

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle completed its fifth mission, landing about 3:51 a.m. Sunday at KSC's space shuttle landing facility for the second time. The Air Forces X-37B landed overnight at NASAs Kennedy Space Center Shuttle Landing Facility . (Photo: U.S. Air Force)"The X-37B continues to demonstrate the importance of a reusable spaceplane," said Secretary of the Air Force Barbara Barrett in a statement. "The sky is no longer the limit for the Air Force and, if Congress approves, the U.S. Space Force." The next flight - it's sixth - will launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in 2020.

Those airspace restrictions may cause hundreds of commercial and private aircraft flights to be delayed as they divert around the launch area, Federal Aviation Administration data suggests. As the commercial space industry pushes for as many as 48 launches per year from the Space Coast, aviation experts predict that airline delays will continue to grow. Depending on the type of rocket, payload and destination, the airspace restrictions can extend hundreds of additional miles offshore. "These restrictions have led to extensive and expensive delays to commercial air traffic that are unsustainable," the pilot union stated in its paper to Congress. Air traffic systems that monitor commercial, private and government aircraft cannot currently track spacecraft passing through the airspace, according to the FAA.

The Space Coast could eventually see more than 48 launches a year, according to the commander of the 45th Space Wing, Brig. Gen. Doug Schiess, who oversees launches from Florida. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

"There are milestones that document official changes," Sarah Hiza, vice president for Lockheed Martin's fleet ballistic missile program, told FLORIDA TODAY. That amount will likely increase along with the number of people hired in the coming years as Lockheed Martin upgrades the Trident missile. The triad is a three-pronged approach to deploying nuclear weapons: land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles, or ICBMs; submarine-launched missiles, or SLBMs; and bomber aircraft. "We have a significant presence of our customer here," Hiza, who moved to the Space Coast last year, said. But the benefits aren't just limited to Lockheed Martin and the Navy: the Space Coast stands to gain on the economic front, too.

MERRITT ISLAND, Fla. - State and local leaders welcomed the first students to a new industry-led apprenticeship program based in Florida's Space Coast. On Monday, nine students officially began the two-year Space Coast Consortium Apprenticeship Program. Under the two-year program, student apprentices will attend classes at Eastern Florida State College two days a week and work on the manufacturing floors of Space Coast companies three days a week. "I think nowhere is probably in more of a need than right here on the Space Coast," DeSantis said. Designers of the program said it will enhance the Space Coast workforce, further cementing it as the center for high-technology aerospace manufacturing.

Ron DeSantis was on the Space Coast Monday helping students pave the way when it comes to space-related apprenticeships. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - As the U.S. reflects on 50 years since NASA launched the Apollo 11 moon mission, ClickOrlando.com is proud to provide extensive coverage of the historic event. [VIDEO: Use player below to see space center via our 360-degree camera]Click here for more coverage, including a look back at the space program, where it stands today, where it's headed in the future, the impact on the Space Coast and your memories. In addition, check out our 360-degree camera to see unique views of the Kennedy Space Center. To interact with 360 view, open in YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHNYJKeZ5ak . Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

Private space companies moving in are reshaping the Space Coast, not just the Kennedy Space Center. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

As more and more resources were moved to the Space Coast, News 6 separated itself from other media organizations, understanding where the next stage of space could go. "It's wonderful, wonderful to be back home in Orlando," he said in front of a packed crowd. For the Apollo 10 mission, an estimated 1 million people traveled to the Space Coast to watch the launch in person. Yet, how we handle loss makes a big difference as the Space Coast has evolved into the epicenter of private space programs. "It's an age of miracles we live in, an age that keeps on beginning here at Cape Canaveral," Aycrigg said.

In other words, you're getting a full day of space from News 6 and ClickOrlando.com on this very special Tuesday. See how far the Space Coast has come with this breakdown of how it looked when Apollo 11 launched. (Image: NASA file photo)A lot has changed in the 50 years since Apollo 11, including the characteristics of astronauts who have been to space. Get a closer look at the current space industry under the "now" section of our Moon Landing page. See how commercial space flight has changed the game of space exploration and how startup companies are testing the limits of innovation.

Among the highlights of the plan are a focus on persuading tourists who come to the Orlando area to also visit the Space Coast; marketing to tourists who drive to the Space Coast from other parts of Florida; and attracting families with children whose annual household income is $75,000 or more. Cranis sees this as the first year of a three-year campaign to build more brand awareness of the Space Coast to potential tourists. So the tourism marketing plan is a crucial component of local economic development. Even with the addition of those positions, the Space Coast Office of Tourism's staffing level will remain below that of similarly sized competitors. All this bodes well for making our $16 million budget.

Associated PressKENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. - Fifty years ago this July 16, Saturn V launched Apollo 11 to the moon. More than one million people gathered on the Space Coast to watch Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong and Michael Collins lift off for the moon from Kennedy Space Center. Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing News 6 created a hotline for viewers to record their Apollo 11 memories. PHOTO CREDIT: Florida Memory ProjectThe Kennedy Space Center was originally the NASA Launch Operations Center. PHOTO CREDIT: Florida Memory ProjectAbove is a photo of the technical lab at Patrick Air Force Base.

arly Tuesday morning, spectators along the Space Coast got the chance to witness a historic moment as NASA got one step closer to returning American astronauts to the moon. Copyright 2019 by WKMG ClickOrlando - All rights reserved.

COCOA, - A demonstration ended with a pair of misfires as a Space Coast-based startup showed off a rocket engine that uses 3D-printed fuel. During a media event on Tuesday, Rocket Crafters conducted two test fires of its STAR-3D Hybrid Rocket Engine. According to designers, the engine uses 3D printing technology to create a solid fuel grain that provides a smooth and reliable burn. Tuesday marked the 42nd test fire of the STAR-3D hybrid rocket engine. The company said they plan to launch the engine on a test rocket this winter.