On the evening of Tuesday, May 6, 2025, a brilliant nighttime spectacle is set to unfold in the skies above Florida’s Space Coast. SpaceX is preparing to launch a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a fresh batch of Starlink satellites, offering residents and space enthusiasts along Florida’s eastern seaboard a chance to witness the illuminated trail of the rocket slicing through the night sky. With the launch scheduled between 8:22 p.m. EDT and 12:53 a.m. EDT the following morning, conditions permitting, this celestial event may be visible from areas ranging from Jacksonville Beach to West Palm Beach. Night launches are particularly photogenic due to the way the rocket’s exhaust plume lights up against the dark sky, often creating dazzling streaks and vibrant contrails that linger for minutes.
This mission is part of SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to expand its Starlink broadband constellation—a project aimed at providing global high-speed internet coverage. As with other Falcon 9 missions, the upcoming launch is expected to draw large crowds of spectators along Florida’s beaches and bridges.
SpaceX Starlink 6-93 launch date and time
- Launch window: Opens at 8:22 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, and closes at 12:53 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
- Mission duration (window): 4 hours and 31 minutes
Rocket and payload
- Rocket Type: Falcon 9
- Mission name: Starlink 6-93
- Payload: A new batch of Starlink satellites designed to enhance SpaceX’s global satellite internet service
- Launch Complex: Launch Complex 40 (LC-40),
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida - Rocket Trajectory: Southeast over the Atlantic Ocean
- Sonic Boom Expected?: No
What is Starlink and why does it matter
Starlink is a SpaceX initiative to create a global satellite internet network composed of thousands of small, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites. The goal is to offer high-speed, low-latency broadband internet service to underserved and remote areas around the world. With over 5,000 satellites already in orbit, SpaceX continues to expand its constellation with regular missions such as this one.
Each Starlink satellite is equipped with advanced antennas and solar arrays and weighs approximately 260 kg. The satellites operate in relatively low orbits between 340 km and 550 km, allowing for reduced signal latency compared to traditional geostationary satellites.
Best public viewing locations for rocket launch
Florida’s Space Coast is renowned for its unparalleled views of rocket launches, especially for night missions like this one. The following locations provide optimal vantage points, taking into account their proximity to Cape Canaveral and viewing direction:
Titusville Area (North of Cape Canaveral)
- Space View Park, 8 Broad St., Titusville — Direct view eastward across Indian River.
- Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, Titusville — Parking available on both sides of bridge; great riverfront sightlines.
- Sand Point Park, 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway — Close to downtown, ample space.
- Rotary Riverfront Park, 4141 S. Washington Ave. — Scenic viewing with river backdrop.
Playalinda Beach / Canaveral National Seashore
- Playalinda Beach, 1000 Playalinda Beach Rd. — Closest possible public viewing spot to LC-39A; direct southern sightlines toward the pad. Parking fee required. Note: Access may be restricted depending on capacity and park hours.
Cocoa Beach Area
- Alan Shepard Park, 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway — Popular family-friendly location; parking fees may apply.
- Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. — Coastal sightlines and facilities available.
- Lori Wilson Park, 1400 N. Atlantic Ave. — Includes beach and dog park.
- Sidney Fischer Park, 2200 N. Atlantic Ave. — Lesser-known location; possible parking fees.
- Downtown Cocoa Beach, around Minutemen Causeway — Several access points to beach.
Satellite Beach to Melbourne Beach
- Tables Beach, 197 SR A1A, Satellite Beach — Wide-open beach access.
- Pelican Beach Clubhouse & Nearby Parks, Satellite Beach — Community-based viewing areas.
- Paradise Beach Park (Howard Futch Park), 2301 SR A1A — Melbourne’s premier beachside park.
- Sebastian Inlet State Park, 9700 S. SR A1A — Southernmost recommended spot; entry fee required.
Causeways and scenic bridges
- Pineda Causeway
- Eau Gallie Causeway
- Front Street Park, US 192 Causeway & US 1, Melbourne — Elevated perspectives along Indian River.
SpaceX Starlink launch general viewing tips
- Arrive early: These locations fill up quickly, especially for night launches.
- Check the weather: Visibility will be contingent on cloud cover and local weather conditions.
- Respect local laws: Do not block roads or access points. Follow posted signs and park regulations.
- Bring equipment: Tripods and cameras with long exposure settings are ideal for capturing night trails.
- Monitor launch updates: Follow SpaceX or NASA’s social media for real-time changes or scrubs.
Why night launches are special
Nighttime launches offer a visually stunning experience. As the Falcon 9 ascends, its engines create a bright flame against the dark sky, and the expanding contrail—illuminated by the rocket’s thrust—can glow in a rainbow of colors. These events often produce what’s known as a “jellyfish effect,” a luminous display caused by exhaust particles interacting with atmospheric layers at high altitudes.
Photographers and stargazers often refer to these moments as some of the most beautiful and rare sights in spaceflight viewing.
What happens after launch
If the launch proceeds as scheduled, the Falcon 9’s first stage is expected to return to Earth for a controlled landing—likely on a droneship in the Atlantic Ocean. This reusable booster is part of SpaceX’s sustainability model, drastically reducing the cost of orbital launches. Meanwhile, the second stage will continue its journey into orbit, deploying the Starlink satellites one by one.
Deployment is typically completed within an hour of launch, after which the satellites will enter their designated orbits and begin calibration before joining the operational network.