For generations, Space Coast roads have been clogged with empty vehicles when hundreds of thousands of spectators flock to watch high-profile launches, such as when up to 250,000 out-of-county visitors were expected for NASA’s historic SpaceX Crew-1 astronaut mission. in November 2020.
But in general, the crush of drivers has decreased. Brevard County hosted a record 72 orbital launches last year. And that unprecedented pace has accelerated, with perhaps 90 releases or more by the end of the year.
“Launches are becoming so frequent. You don’t have that mad rush anymore. Because everyone’s like, ‘Oh, there’s another one in a few days.’ little,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer of the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
“Now obviously, when New Glenn or Starship takes off from here, then that’s going to be absolute madness. And of course, Artemis crewed (the mission) next year,” Protze said.
Despite the Cape’s frequent launch schedule, Protze said a “huge” crowd descended on the KSC Visitor Complex for the initial liftoff attempt of United Launch Alliance’s latest three-core Delta IV Heavy rocket. SpaceX Falcon Heavy launches have also drawn sellout crowds recently.
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Elsewhere, Brevard’s abundant waterfront and riverfront shorelines offer incredible viewing opportunities for dozens of miles “you don’t have to be at the Space Center,” said Brevard County Communications Director Don Walker.
But that still means traffic jams and overflow parking lots can cause headaches from Titusville to Cocoa Beach south to Pineda Boulevard.
What you need to know before driving to see a rocket launch
Walker recommends drivers monitor Brevard Emergency Management’s social media pages, which are updated with traffic information hours before departure.
Brevard emergency officials work closely with the Florida Department of Transportation to alert drivers if there are accidents or road closures, Walker said. For example, FDOT will occasionally make roads one-way corridors to control traffic before and after major launches.
Tip: Bring ‘patience’ when driving to a launch
“Patience,” Walker replied when asked what drivers should bring. He urged people to arrive and get a spot to watch early.
For spectators ambitious enough to get close to KSC or the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Walker advises packing water and a lunch, as it’s possible to get stuck in traffic for hours.
“A good rule of thumb is that the closer to the launch window, the more traffic there will be and the fewer seats open to view the launch. So please plan accordingly,” said Rachel Horst, information officer public of Brevard County.
“If you’re behind the wheel, watch out for other space enthusiasts,” Horst said.
Brevard heads out to check out the hot spots
- Jetty Park Beach and Pier, 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral. Parking fees are collected.
- Playalinda Beach, 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Note, there is a fee to park and access to the Canaveral National Seashore is not always granted depending on capacity and time of day.
- Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Note, parking is available on both sides of the Max Brewer Bridge.
- Space View Park, 8 Broad St., Titusville
- Sand Point Park, 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville
- Rotary RiverfrontPark, 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville
- Alan Shepard Park, 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Note, parking charges may apply.
- Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave Parking fee varies.
- Lori Wilson Park, 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Lori Wilson Park has a dog park, by the way.
- Sidney Fischer Park, 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Note, parking charges may apply.
- Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter)
The Space Coast Tourism Office also maintains a rocket launch page that features a searchable map of prime viewing locations. That page often includes information about parking and traffic, Horst said.
High traffic areas to avoid unless I’m watching a launch
“In general, the closer you are to Kennedy Space Center, the more likely you are to encounter some amount of launch traffic,” Horst said.
She warned of congestion in high-traffic areas such as the Max Brewer Bridge, NASA Causeway and State Road 528 causeway.
Horst said traffic in those areas generally starts to thin out about an hour after departure. Elsewhere, South Brevard and Central Brevard are least likely to see such traffic increases.
Artemis I in 2022:“Bigger crowds!” Heavy traffic and massive crowds as NASA prepared to launch Artemis 1.
For the latest news from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, visit Floridatoday.com/space.
Brooke Edwards is a space reporter for FLORIDA TODAY. Contact him at bedwards@floridatoday.com or at X: @brookeofstars
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