How to watch the Artemis 1 launch online and on Florida's Space Coast

04:26

NASA expects good weather for third Artemis 1 launch attempt

FOX Weather Space Specialist Emilee Speck discusses how engineers are making repairs following damage to the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft from Hurricane Nicole. Speck noted the forecast is ‘almost perfect’ for Wednesday’s scheduled launch.

The 8.8 million pounds of thrust produced by NASA's Space Launch System rocket will be heard and felt for miles in Central Florida, but even if you can't make it in person, the liftoff will be worth watching.

NASA's first moon rocket in 50 years is slated for its maiden launch from Florida's Kennedy Space Center, known as the Artemis 1 mission, a precursor for human flights to the moon.

WHAT IS NASA'S ARTEMIS 1 MISSION GOING TO DO?

Here are a few pointers for those watching from home, and if you plan a trip to Florida, a list of locations across the Space Coast that will make ideal Artemis 1 launch-viewing spots. 

How to watch online or on TV

Where the SLS launch will be visible and when after the launch on Nov. 16. (Image: NASA)

(NASA)

While approximately 100,000 to 200,000 people are expected to travel to Florida’s Space Coast to see the Artemis 1 launch, millions of others will watch online or on TV from home.

The first two attempts to launch the SLS and Orion spacecraft on Aug. 29 and in September ended in scrubs. NASA is now targeting Wednesday, Nov. 16 during a two-hour window opening at 1:04 a.m. ET to launch the Artemis 1 mission.

The countdown started Monday and teams will begin to load more than 700,000 gallons of supercold fuel into the SLS rocket on Tuesday evening.

Beginning at 3:30 p.m. NASA will begin coverage on NASA.gov, NASA TV and YouTube with commentary as the SLS rocket is fueled. At 10:30 p.m. NASA will begin a special live stream with coverage that will continue until Orion's separation from SLS.

After spacecraft separation, NASA will pick up coverage again when Orion is set to complete the first outbound trajectory burn.

You can also watch the liftoff live on FOX Weather’s app, FOXweather.com and our social media channels.

If you have a smart TV, put the launch on the big screen and turn the sound up. 

Feeling the SLS rumble in person 

Ahead of the first launch attempt in August, Director of Florida’s Space Coast Office of Tourism, Peter Cranis, said planning ahead is the best way to enjoy the Artemis 1 launch in person.

Plan to arrive hours early to your launch-viewing spot and bring plenty of water and food.

Parking will be tight in many of the most popular viewing locations, including Space View Park in Titusville, Jetty Park in Cape Canaveral and along the beaches in Brevard County.

"All the beaches that are north of Patrick Space Force Base are all great viewing locations," Cranis said.

Most beach parks have limited parking lots. Downloading the Passport Parking app is the easiest way to pay for parking on your phone. 

Along the Indian River in Titusville, which runs parallel to Kennedy Space Center, is also a good option for launch viewing.

HOW SLS, NASA'S NEW MEGA MOON ROCKET, COMPARES TO APOLLO-ERA SATURN V

"There's a number of smaller parks across from the space center across the river," Cranis said. "Those are all very good viewing. Again, plan ahead because that stretch of route one that runs across from the space center gets very, very busy and a lot of traffic, and that's where a lot of people get stuck."

Launch-viewing options West of Kennedy Space Center

A time exposure shows the arc of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket as it streaks toward space after lifting off from the Kennedy Space Center, as viewed from Space View Park in Titusville, Florida on April 27, 2022. (Photo by Gregg Newton/AFP via Getty Images)

(Getty Images)

One of the launch viewing options is the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, located just outside the gates of NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

Being close to the KSC launchpads makes the Visitor Complex a great spot to watch the launch. However, you will need tickets, which can be purchased online. Some of the closest viewing tickets from the Apollo/Saturn V Center sold out a few weeks before the first launch try, but there is good news for general admission ticket holders. 

"You have an amazing view no matter where you are when you're at Kennedy Space Center because we are one of the absolute closest places that you can be to watch a launch at Kennedy Space Center," said Howard Schwartz, KSC Visitor Complex senior director of marketing, sales and education.

Some options that do not require tickets or reservations are the many public parks along the Indian River in Titusville. 

The river runs parallel to the barrier islands home to the KSC and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station launch sites. A handful of parks in Titusville have become popular launch viewing sites. Again, the biggest issue will be parking, requiring some planning. 

Here is a complete list of Titusville parks and addresses, along with some suggestions below. 

• Space View Park
• Chain of Lakes Park
• Parrish Park
• Veterans Memorial Park
• Kennedy Point Park
• Rotary Riverfront Park
• Sand Point Park

Beachside options

Beachgoers look on as the Atlas V rocket carrying the GOES-T weather satellite launches from Space Launch Complex 41 in Cocoa Beach, Florida, on March 1, 2022. (Photo by MARCO BELLO/AFP via Getty Images)

There are metered parking spaces along Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach streets, but those spots usually fill up fast. 

A list of public beach accesses in Cape Canaveral is available here.

A list of parking locations in Cocoa Beach can be found here.

Most beach parks in Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach have parking and restrooms.

• Jetty Park, Cape Canaveral  -Reservations needed for camping.
• Cape Canaveral National Seashore - NASA has the authority to close the park for launches. Check the website closer to Aug. 29 to find out if it will remain open.
• Cherie Down Park
• Cocoa Beach Pier – If you can grab a table at one of the restaurants or a spot on the fishing pier.
• Lori Wilson Park
• Shepard Park
• Tables Beach