Rocket launches Cape Canaveral continue to surge this November as Blue Origin, SpaceX, and ULA push through one of the busiest stretches of activity the Florida Space Coast has seen this year. The month has already included a historic Mars mission, major broadband satellite deployments, and a new annual launch record for the state.
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Blue Origin’s New Glenn Sends ESCAPADE Toward Mars
A major highlight of the month came on November 13 when Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket from Launch Complex 36. The vehicle carried NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft, a mission designed to study how solar wind interacts with the Martian atmosphere.
The twin probes will work together in Mars orbit to improve understanding of atmospheric loss and environmental conditions that future crews may face. This mission marks one of New Glenn’s most significant payloads yet and strengthens Blue Origin’s role in deep-space operations.
New Glenn also achieved a notable milestone with a successful landing of its first-stage booster on the company’s recovery ship. This marked one of the program’s first major steps toward regular reusability, placing the rocket in closer competition with other reusable systems currently flying from the Space Coast.
Atlas V Delivers ViaSat-3 F2 in a Powerful Heavy-Lift Mission
Just hours after the Mars-bound launch, ULA’s Atlas V 551 added another major success to the month. The rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 41 late on November 13, carrying the ViaSat-3 Flight 2 (F2) satellite.
The satellite forms part of a next-generation high-capacity broadband constellation, expected to significantly expand the coverage and bandwidth available to customers across the Western Hemisphere. Once fully operational, the spacecraft will boost data throughput and help meet rising demand for satellite internet connectivity.
Earlier in the month, the mission faced a brief delay due to a valve issue on ground equipment. Technicians resolved the concern, conducted successful tests, and cleared the vehicle for launch. The completed mission added yet another reliable performance to Atlas V’s long history of successful flights.
SpaceX Adds Multiple Starlink Missions and Breaks a Florida Launch Record
SpaceX has maintained a rapid cadence throughout November, deploying multiple batches of Starlink satellites from Cape Canaveral. Early on November 15, a Falcon 9 lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40, delivering a fresh group of satellites to low Earth orbit and securing another drone-ship landing for its booster.
This follows a November 10 Starlink mission that officially pushed Florida to a new annual launch record, underscoring SpaceX’s ongoing tempo on the Space Coast. Each of these missions adds capacity to the company’s ever-growing internet constellation, improving service availability across the U.S. and beyond.
The frequent nighttime launches have continued to draw large crowds along the coast, with many residents and tourists witnessing bright trails stretching across clear skies after sunset.
Upcoming Rocket Launches at Cape Canaveral
Several additional missions remain on the schedule for November, maintaining the momentum of an already-packed month. Based on the most recent public updates, these are the upcoming launches still expected:
Falcon 9 – Starlink 6-94
- Date: November 18
- Time: Window opens at 6:29 p.m. EST
- Location: Space Launch Complex 40
- Mission: Deployment of another batch of Starlink satellites, with a drone-ship landing planned for the booster.
Vulcan – GPS III SV09
- Date: No earlier than late November
- Location: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
- Mission: Deployment of the ninth GPS III satellite, intended to enhance navigation accuracy and resilience for both civilian and military users.
Launch times and dates may shift due to weather or final technical checks, so viewing plans may require close monitoring.
Best Ways to Watch Rocket Launches Near Cape Canaveral
For those traveling to Florida or living nearby, several great options exist to catch a launch:
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
This is the closest public viewing option for many missions. Visitors often have access to:
- Bleacher seating
- Live launch commentary
- Exhibits and attractions, including the Saturn V Center and Space Shuttle Atlantis
Some missions also offer launch transportation tickets that bring visitors even closer to specific pads. Availability depends on the mission, and schedules can change quickly.
Public Beaches and Parks
Many popular spots across Brevard County offer wide, unobstructed views:
- Cocoa Beach
- Jetty Park
- Playalinda Beach
- Titusville riverfront parks
These areas are especially good for night launches, where the glow can be seen across a large portion of Central Florida, including cities several miles inland.
Why These Launches Matter for the U.S. Space Program
The intense launch pace at Cape Canaveral demonstrates how critical the region has become for commercial, scientific, and national missions. November alone has featured:
- A deep-space science mission headed for Mars
- A heavy-lift launch supporting global broadband expansion
- Multiple Starlink deployments fueling one of the world’s largest satellite constellations
- A new Florida annual launch record driven by rapid commercial launch activity
Each launch underscores the growth of the U.S. space industry and the increasing importance of Florida’s Atlantic Coast as a global launch hub.
If you’ve watched any recent rocket launches from the Space Coast, share your experience below and keep an eye on the sky for the next one.