May the fourth, er,
Force be with SpaceX
.
Depending on weather conditions and cloud coverage, a SpaceX rocket launch could take place at Florida’s Space Coast.
might be seen from Jacksonville Beach all the way down to Daytona Beach, then extending further south to Vero Beach and even reaching as far as West Palm Beach.
When a launch window falls during the late hours of the night or very early in the morning, there’s an
opportunity for unique photos — the rocket lights up the dark sky and the contrail after
provides an excellent subject for a photograph.
Here’s additional details about rocket launches from NASA and Cape Canaveral along with recommendations for viewing locations in this area of Florida.
If you have any queries or feedback, contact Florida Today Space Reporter Rick Neale via rneale@floridatoday.com or reach out to Space Reporter Brooke Edwards through bedwards@floridatoday.com. To stay updated with additional space-related stories from the USA TODAY Network, check their website.
floridatoday.com/space
.
On which date is the Florida rocket launch scheduled? It’s set for Sunday, May 4, featuring the SpaceX Starlink 6-84 mission.
-
Mission:
A Federal Aviation Administration operational guideline reveals that SpaceX plans to launch a Falcon 9 rocket for an upcoming mission aimed at deploying more Starlink internet satellites. -
Time and date for launch window:
4:48 AM to 9:29 AM EDT on Sunday, May 4, 2025 -
Location
of rocket launch
:
TBA -
Sonic booms:
No -
Trajectory
: Southeast -
Watch LIVE Florida Today’s Space Coverage:
Begins 90 minutes prior to launch time
floridatoday.com/space
.
Why do people observe May 4 as Star Wars Day? Is May the Fourth officially recognized as a holiday?
Like many “Star Wars” enthusiasts are aware, the fourth of May transformed into Star Wars Day due to the series’ famous line, “May the force be with you,” spoken by Jedi Masters (an elite corps of guides and upholders of peace). This slogan resonates similarly, turning the date into a play on words—essentially saying, “May the 4th be with you.”
Apologies, young Padawans, May the Fourth isn’t recognized as an official holiday in Florida or across much of the U.S., except in California. The state’s legislature approved this designation in 2019.
officially change May 4 into “Star Wars Day”
After Disneyland introduced Galaxy’s Edge at its theme park in Anaheim.
Where can one witness a rocket launch in Volusia County?
, Florida?
In Volusia County, which lies directly north of Brevard County—home to both Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station—you can enjoy an excellent vantage point for observing launches.
SpaceX, NASA, or United Launch Alliance spacecraft launches
.
The finest vistas for observing a rocket launch from this location can be found along the shoreline. Check your direction toward the southern sky. Visitors have also reported witnessing a rocket take off from New Smyrna Beach, Daytona Beach, and Ormond Beach. Below are some suggested vantage points:
•
South New Smyrna Beach
At Canaveral National Seashore, you might incur some parking fees. Spanning 17 miles of pristine white sand, New Smyrna Beach is known for being both an offbeat and charming coastal community. Often called the “Shark Bite Capital of the World,” this destination remains a favorite among surfers seeking out excellent waves.
•
Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park
, 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach. Located 3.5 miles south of New Smyrna Beach and just one mile north of the Apollo Beach entry point for Canaveral National Seashore Park lies Bethune Beach. This area features facilities such as restrooms, picnic shelters, shower amenities, and approximately 800 feet of beachside walkway.
based on the information from Volusia County’s website
The riverside park located near here spans over South Atlantic Avenue and features various facilities including tennis courts, pickleball courts, basketball and volleyball areas, a playground, a fishing pier, and restrooms. This stretch of river beside the park offers excellent views where you might see manatees, dolphins, and pelicans.
•
Apollo Beach
at
Canaveral National Seashore
(Southern part of New Smyrna Beach). The Canaveral National Seashore stretches alongside Florida’s eastern coastline within Volusia County and Brevard County. To reach Apollo Beach, head towards Interstate 95 and use Exit 249. Continue traveling eastward as this road becomes State Road A1A. Proceed south on SR A1A until you find the park entry.
•
Oak Hill riverfront
is the
the most southern municipality in South Volusia County
.
•
Sunrise Park
, 275 River Road, Oak Hill
•
Seminole Rest National Historic Site
, 211 River Road, Oak Hill
•
Riverbreeze Park
, 250 H.H. Burch Road, Oak Hill
•
Mary Dewees Park
, 178 N. Gaines St., Oak Hill. The facilities consist of a rentable structure, play area, baseball diamond, basketball courts, tennis courts, open-air restrooms, shelters, picnic spaces, and barbecue grills.
•
Nancy Cummings Park
, 232 Cummings Street, Oak Hill. The facilities feature a playground, baseball diamond, basketball courts, an outdoor pavilion, and restrooms.
•
Jimmie Vann Sunrise Park
, 275 River Road, Oak Hill. According to the city of Oak Hill’s website, this spot boasts approximately 350 feet of meticulously renovated waterfront. The area offers amenities such as a pavilion, picnic tables, and kayak launch points.
•
Delbert Dewees Municipal Pier A.C.
, 243 River Road, Oak Hill. According to the city of Oak Hill’s website, facilities feature a 520-foot observation pier complete with two shaded decks and seating areas.
•
Bird Observation Pier
Along River Road opposite the A.C. Delbert Municipal Pier (refer above). The amenities feature a 100-foot viewing pier.
Contributor: Samantha Neely, USA TODAY Network-Florida
Sangalang serves as a lead digital producer at the USA TODAY Network.
. Follow her on
Twitter
or Instagram at
@byjensangalang
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.
The article initially appeared in The Daytona Beach News-Journal.
The SpaceX rocket launch from Florida scheduled for May 4th, also known as Star Wars Day: When is the takeoff time?
