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Halloween is on Thursday, Oct. 31 — but the Space Coast may get a nice treat the night before.

Less than a week after this coastal area of Florida that's home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station broke the record for number of orbital rocket launches in a year, there's another one on the books.

SpaceX is targeting Wednesday, Oct. 30, to launch another payload of Starlink broadband satellites into low-Earth orbit. Depending on weather and visibility, the Space Coast might see a nice streak in the sky.

The near-Halloween mission follows the Oct. 26 SpaceX rocket launch, which was the Florida Space Coast's record-breaking 73rd orbital rocket launch of the year. The bulk of the 2024 missions came from SpaceX. In 2023, SpaceX also helped break the record of rocket launches per year — contributing to the 72 launches that were completed near Cape Canaveral.

Below are suggestions on where to watch the rocket launch from this area and other things to know. If there are changes to the launch schedule, this story will be updated.

For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space.

Where can I see a rocket launch in Florida?

Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, the SpaceX rocket launch should be visible from almost anywhere in Brevard County. And minutes after liftoff, there’s typically a rumble. Night launches, in particular, are easier to spot and beautiful to see.

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.

Is there a rocket launch today?Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule from Florida

Is there a rocket launch from Florida? The next is Wednesday, Oct. 30: SpaceX Starlink 10-13

Space Coast weather radar: Will it rain in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, Florida, today?

Shown is the National Weather Service-Melbourne radar, which shows conditions in real-time for the Space Coast 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 a 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:

Launch recap: Scroll down to review live updates from the Saturday, Oct. 26, liftoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral on the Starlink 10-8 mission — the 73rd launch of 2024 thus far from Florida's Space Coast.

Original story: It's a record-breaking launch day — with the Space Coast's unparalleled 73rd orbital rocket of 2024 poised to take flight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station!

Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY Space Team live coverage of today's SpaceX Starlink 10-8 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

SpaceX is targeting 5:47 p.m. EDT to launch a Falcon 9 rocket on a Starlink satellite mission from Launch Complex 40. This mission will surpass Florida's annual record of 72 orbital rocket launches, which was set last year and tied this week — with November and December still remaining on the calendar.

"With (Wednesday's) successful launch, SLD 45 has now supported 72 launches here on the #SpaceCoast in 2024, tying 2023's total launch count," Space Launch Delta 45 officials said in a tweet.

"Meeting and exceeding previous benchmarks is all part of how we are setting the pace for space in this new era," the tweet said.

No Central Florida sonic booms are expected. After soaring skyward along a northeasterly trajectory, the rocket's first-stage booster will target landing aboard a SpaceX drone ship out at sea a little more than eight minutes after liftoff.

Rocket photography:FLORIDA TODAY's 2025 Space Launch Calendar is here

SpaceX Falcon 9 booster lands

Update 5:55 p.m.: The Falcon 9 first-stage booster just landed aboard SpaceX's drone ship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic Ocean, completing its 19th mission.

Liftoff!

Update 5:47 p.m.: SpaceX has just launched the Falcon 9 carrying 22 Starlink satellites from Launch Complex 40, marking Florida's 73rd orbital rocket launch of 2024.

SpaceX launch webcast begins

Update 5:42 p.m.: SpaceX's launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is now posted above, right below the countdown clock.

Liftoff is scheduled in five minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

SpaceX liftoff weather looks cloud-free

Update 5:33 p.m.: No cloud cover is significant enough to appear on this National Weather Service radar loop from the Melbourne Orlando International Airport station.

Liftoff is scheduled in 14 minutes from the Cape.

SpaceX booster to land on drone ship

Update 5:23 p.m.: Today's record-setting mission marks the Falcon 9 first-stage booster’s 19th flight, SpaceX reported.

This much-traveled booster previously launched OneWeb 1, SES 18+19, Eutelsat HOTBIRD-F1, CRS-24 and 14 Starlink missions.

Following stage separation, crews expect the booster to land on the SpaceX drone ship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic Ocean 8 minutes, 13 seconds after liftoff.

SpaceX Falcon 9 fueling underway

Update 5:13 p.m.: SpaceX just announced Falcon 9 fueling procedures are underway at Launch Complex 40.

That means tonight’s Starlink mission countdown is now locked in to lift off at 5:47 p.m. without any delays, or else the launch must be postponed.

"Tracking no weather or technical blockers to liftoff," SpaceX officials said in a tweet.

SpaceX launch prep underway in Brevard

Update 5 p.m.: Brevard County Emergency Management officials have activated the agency's launch operations support team ahead of SpaceX’s upcoming Falcon 9 launch.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launch countdown

Update 4:45 p.m.: Here's a rundown of SpaceX’s behind-the-scenes countdown timeline. T-minus:

SpaceX's Starlink service marks 4th anniversary

Update 4:30 p.m.: In an afternoon tweet, Starlink officials noted that the satellite high-speed internet service connected its first paying customer four years ago today.

"Since then, we have connected 4M+ people, businesses and other organizations with high-speed internet all across the world, and for the first time 4 astronauts flying around it," the tweet said, referring to the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission that launched last month from NASA's Kennedy Space Center.

SpaceX launch skies looking clear on radar

Update 4:15 p.m.: This National Weather Service radar loop from the Melbourne Orlando International Airport station shows no significant cloud cover over Florida's East Coast, ranging from St. Augustine all the way southward to Fort Lauderdale.

Space Force: 90% odds of favorable weather

Update 4:01 p.m.: The Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron forecast called for a 90% chance of "go for launch" weather for today's SpaceX Starlink mission.

"Surface high pressure will build in across the Spaceport from the north through Saturday, ushering in drier air across the region. An isolated shower may develop near the coast in the mornings, with dry weather expected in the afternoons," the squadron's forecast said.

"Although most areas should see shallow cumulus, there is a small chance of the Cumulus Cloud Rule being violated," the forecast said.

For the latest news from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space.

Rick Neale is a Space Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Neale atRneale@floridatoday.com. Twitter/X: @RickNeale1

Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.

Another SpaceX rocket launch is scheduled for liftoff. Depending on weather and visibility, the Space Coast might see a nice streak in the sky.

Earlier this week, the Space Coast achieved a milestone — its 72nd rocket launch of 2024, with the bulk of missions from SpaceX. In 2023, SpaceX helped break the record of rocket launches per year — contributing to the 72 launches that were completed near Cape Canaveral. And with just over two months left in 2024, it seems that record is on its way to being broken again.

Below are suggestions on where to watch the rocket launch from this area and other things to know. If there are changes to the launch schedule, this story will be updated.

For questions or comments, email FLORIDA TODAY Space Reporter Rick Neale at rneale@floridatoday.com. For more space news from the USA TODAY Network, visit floridatoday.com/space.

Where can I see a rocket launch in Florida?

Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, the SpaceX rocket launch should be visible from almost anywhere in Brevard County. And minutes after liftoff, there’s typically a rumble. Night launches, in particular, are easier to spot and beautiful to see.

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.

Is there a rocket launch today?Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule from Florida

Is there a rocket launch from Florida? The next is Saturday, October 26: SpaceX Starlink 10-8

Space Coast weather radar: Will it rain in Melbourne, Cocoa Beach or Cape Canaveral, Florida, today?

Shown is the National Weather Service-Melbourne radar, which shows conditions in real-time for the Space Coast 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 a 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:

Live updates from the SpaceX 6-61 mission which launched at 5:47 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23 from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40. Scroll down to read the updates from the mission.

SpaceX was finally successful in the launch of their latest batch of Starlink satellites — and tied last year's 72-launch record on the Space Coast.

Delayed from Monday and Tuesday, SpaceX launched the Starlink 6-61 mission at 5:47 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23 from Cape Canaveral Launch Complex 40.

This launch was one to watch, as the launch tied last year's record. With another launch on the horizon as early as Saturday, it is likely that a new launch record could be set by the start of November.

Is there a launch today?Is there a launch today? Upcoming SpaceX, NASA, ULA rocket launch schedule from Florida

While SpaceX typically aims for the earlier part of the launch window, other factors can determine launch timing, such as conditions at the Cape and at the booster landing location in the Atlantic Ocean. The 45th Weather Squadron predicted an 85% chance of favorable conditions with cumulus clouds being the limiting factor. This proved not to be an issue.

Sonic booms were not expected in Central Florida, as approximately eight minutes after launch the first stage booster landed on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean.

Order your 2025 Launch Calendar:FLORIDA TODAY's 2025 Space Launch Calendar now available

SpaceX also successfully undocked the NASA Crew-8 Dragon spacecraft from the International Space Station. After 232 days in orbit, the crew will splashdown on Friday off the coast of Florida.

SpaceX booster lands

Update 5:56 p.m.: The first stage booster has landed on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship.

SpaceX Starlink lifts off!

Update 5:47 p.m.: The rocket has left the launch pad and the yearly Florida launch record is tied!

SpaceX launch: SpaceX live stream begins

Update 5:42 p.m.: SpaceX coverage has begun and is posted above, below the countdown clock.

SpaceX launch from Florida in 10 minutes

Update 5:37 p.m.: If you plan on seeing this rocket launch tie the yearly record, head outside now. Look to the direction just south of Kennedy Space Center. The launch will travel in a southeast trajectory, giving most of Brevard a good view (and sound!).

SpaceX Florida launch countdown timeline

Update 5:30 p.m.: We are currently at the point where LOX (liquid oxygen) is being loaded into the second stage. Here's a behind-the-scenes rundown of SpaceX’s countdown timeline. T-minus:

SpaceX launch: fueling has begun!

Update 5:17 p.m.: SpaceX has begun fueling ahead of tonight's launch! If SpaceX does not launch at 5:47 p.m., the mission will have to be scrubbed for the day.

SpaceX Starlink launch from Cape Canaveral and Crew-8 undock

Update 5:12 p.m.: SpaceX is still aiming for 5:47 p.m. to launch the Starlink 6-61 mission.

SpaceX has also posted video of Crew-8 separating from the ISS.

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch: SpaceX Starlink Florida launch

Update 5:00 p.m.: SpaceX is still aiming for 5:47 p.m. to launch a Falcon 9 rocket.

Meanwhile, NASA and SpaceX just announced that Crew-8 is "Go" for undocking. Have you seen NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick's photography from the ISS?

One hour until the SpaceX launch from Cape Canaveral

Update 4:47 p.m.: T-1 hour! SpaceX is still aiming for 5:47 p.m. to tie the Florida yearly launch record. Will today be the day?

NASA SpaceX Crew-8 to undock from ISS

Update 4:39 p.m.: NASA's Crew-8 has been on the ISS since early March. Originally set to return late August, the uncertainty with Starliner's test flight and the delay of the Crew-9 launch pushed that return two months.

Recently, Crew-8 has been safely waiting on the ISS for weather off the coast of Florida to improve.

Undocking this afternoon, the crew's SpaceX Dragon will splashdown on Friday off the coast of Florida.

SpaceX, ULA, rocket launches galore: Order your 2025 FLORIDA TODAY Calendar

Update 4:25 p.m.: SpaceX is still aiming to launch at 5:47 p.m. this evening. The launch will travel in a southeast trajectory.

If you enjoy watching space launches, the FLORIDA TODAY 2025 Space Calendar makes a great addition to any room. It is also a unique gift for the space enthusiast on your list this holiday!

High resolution launch photos from our FLORIDA TODAY photographers add character to each month.

Be sure to order today - before they're gone!

Get your copy now:FLORIDA TODAY's 2025 Space Launch Calendar now available

SpaceX rocket launch from Florida weather outlook

Update 4:15 p.m.: Skies are clear over the Space Coast with a light breeze. However, booster recovery weather (by the Bahamas) will also be a factor. Will SpaceX be able to launch tonight?

Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.

Rick Neale

Scrub recap: Scroll down to review live updates from the Sunday, Nov. 3, scrub of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch attempt from Cape Canaveral on the Starlink 6-77 mission.

Original story: Today marks the first mission of a SpaceX-NASA Sunday-Monday launch doubleheader, with two Falcon 9 rockets slated to lift off within a roughly 24-hour span.

Welcome to FLORIDA TODAY Space Team live coverage of this afternoon's SpaceX Starlink 6-77 mission from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

SpaceX is targeting 4:57 p.m. EST to send up a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 40. The Falcon 9 will deploy a batch of 23 internet satellites.

No Central Florida sonic booms are expected. After soaring skyward along a southeasterly trajectory, the rocket's first-stage booster will target landing aboard a SpaceX drone ship out at sea about eight minutes after liftoff.

Monday night, SpaceX and NASA will launch a Dragon capsule on an International Space Station resupply mission at 9:29 p.m. from pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. These missions will become the Space Coast's record-breaking 75th and 76th orbital rocket launches in a single calendar year.

Rocket photography:FLORIDA TODAY's 2025 Space Launch Calendar is here

SpaceX traditionally gives precedence to NASA missions

Update 5:34 p.m.: The NASA-SpaceX CRS-31 launch is scheduled at 9:29 p.m. Monday, and it has precedence on the Eastern Range calendar.

During a media teleconference last month, Tim Dunn, launch director with NASA's Launch Services Program, said NASA has traditionally asked SpaceX to push back its Starlink liftoffs to create a "setback" time period in advance of LSP missions so personnel can review prior launch data. That way, they can spot potential flight anomalies.

SpaceX has yet to announce a new Starlink 6-77 launch time and date, early on the heels of today's scrub.

Will SpaceX try to launch again Monday?

Update 5:09 p.m.: This afternoon, SpaceX officials announced the Starlink 6-77 backup launch opportunity is set for 4:31 p.m. Monday.

If that time slot holds, the Falcon 9 would take flight five hours before the SpaceX-NASA CRS-31 resupply mission to the International Space Station lifts off at 9:29 p.m. from pad 39A at adjacent Kennedy Space Center.

"Standing down from today’s launch. Vehicle and payload are healthy," SpaceX officials said in a 5:04 p.m. post-scrub tweet.

SpaceX crews cite helium issue

Update 5:03 p.m.: During SpaceX's abbreviated launch webcast, a countdown hold was announced with the clock stopping 2 minutes, 36 seconds before liftoff.

"Hold, hold, hold. Stand down for helium stage one," a launch director said.

Scrub!

Update 4:56 p.m.: SpaceX has scrubbed the launch of a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

No official explanation has been publicly released.

SpaceX launch webcast begins

Update 4:52 p.m.: SpaceX's launch webcast hosted on X (formerly Twitter) is now posted above, right below the countdown clock.

Liftoff is scheduled in five minutes from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

SpaceX booster to land on drone ship

Update 4:42 p.m.: This afternoon's mission marks the Falcon 9 first-stage booster’s third flight, SpaceX reported.

Young in SpaceX's fleet, this booster previously launched Crew-9 and one Starlink mission.

Following stage separation, crews expect the booster to land on the SpaceX drone ship Just Read the Instructions in the Atlantic Ocean 8 minutes, 11 seconds after liftoff.

SpaceX Falcon 9 launch countdown

Update 4:32 p.m.: Here's a rundown of SpaceX’s upcoming behind-the-scenes countdown timeline. T-minus:

SpaceX Falcon 9 fueling about to begin

Update 4:21 p.m.: SpaceX just announced Falcon 9 fueling procedures will start soon at Launch Complex 40 — and "the weather is looking good."

That means today's Starlink mission countdown will be locked in to lift off at 4:57 p.m. without any delays, or else the launch must be postponed.

Cape Canaveral: overcast skies, 10 mph wind before launch

Update 4:12 p.m.: The National Weather Service reported overcast skies, a 10 mph east wind, and an 80-degree temperature at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 3:55 p.m.

To the north in New Smyrna Beach, where launch spectators congregate near the shoreline, meteorologists reported partly cloudy skies and 81-degree conditions as of 2:47 p.m. at the municipal airport.

SpaceX launch prep underway in Brevard

Update 4 p.m.: Brevard County Emergency Management officials have activated the agency's launch operations support team ahead of SpaceX’s upcoming Falcon 9 launch.

Space Force: 90% odds of 'go for launch' weather

Update 3:45 p.m.: The Space Force's 45th Weather Squadron predicts a 90% chance of favorable weather for today's launch, citing a high-pressure system over the Southeastern states.

"Onshore flow will be breezy through Sunday but should remain below liftoff constraints for the launch window ... some isolated low-topped showers will linger through (Sunday)," the squadron's forecast said.

Primary meteorological concerns: liftoff winds and cumulus clouds. Also, the squadron warned of a moderate risk of poor booster recovery weather out in the Atlantic Ocean.

KSC Visitor Complex staying open for SpaceX launch

Update 3:30 p.m.: The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex will remain open until 5:30 p.m. so attendees can view the upcoming launch from the tourist attraction's Atlantis North Lawn, about 6.7 miles from the pad.

For the latest news and launch schedule from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA's Kennedy Space Center, visit floridatoday.com/space.

Space is important to us and that's why we're working to bring you top coverage of the industry and Florida launches. Journalism like this takes time and resources. Please support it with a subscription here.