Launch · Falcon 9
Where to watch CHORUS
Around December 2026, date to be announced
Falcon 9 · Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA · To Be Determined
Dates this far out move often. This page updates as the schedule does.
Is it worth the drive?
10 of the last 10 went on the first try
That is how Falcon 9 launches from Florida have gone lately, not counting Starlink. The rest scrubbed at least once before flying.
Playalinda Beach
Open 6 AM–6 PM that day, as posted. May change.
About the mission
CHORUS is MDA's next generation Earth observation constellation, consisting of 2 radar satellites (C-band SAR and X-band SAR), in a 53.5 degree 600 km altitude LEO, with the X-band trailing the C-band by 60 minutes. A collaborative multi-sensor constellation, CHORUS will bring together diverse and unique imagery and data sources and provide a new level of near real-time insight and innovative Earth observation services. Operating in a unique mid-inclination orbit, CHORUS will be able to image day or night, regardless of weather conditions, with daily access of up to 95% of the coverage area. From an industry-leading 700km-wide imaging swath down to sub-metre high resolution, CHORUS will provide the most extensive and unrivalled Earth observation radar imaging capacity available on the market in a single mission.
Where to stand
Public spots that are open for this pad, in my own words. The map shows each one against the pad.
Playalinda Beach
This is about as far as you can go on Playalinda Beach for launch viewing. Some tips: - Beach opening hours do not adjust for a launch. If a launch gets postponed to be after park closing hours, you will be forced to leave. - Playalinda has closed for launches in the past, but recently it has remained open. - This is my personal favorite public launch viewing spot! Even if a launch scrubs, you still get a nice beach day. - From this spot, you may not be able to see (all of) the rocket ahead of launch, but it will be visible within 5 seconds of liftoff! - The view in this picture is a launch from Pad 40. If the launch is from 39-A, you'll be twice as close!
Playalinda Beach - Elevated Boardwalk
In each of the parking complexes, you will have to take an elevated boardwalk to get to the beach. Many people choose to use this boardwalk platform as a way to see the entire rocket on the launchpad prior to launch! If that is a priority, this may be your spot!
Jetty Park Pier
A fixed concrete pier at Jetty Park, one of the closest locations south of the launch pads. This is a great spot when optimizing for booster landings. Admissions can be tricky, so make sure to check latest ticketing information from their official website.
Max Brewer Bridge
A nice elevated view to be able to see most of the launch pads. During major launches, the entire bridge can be shut down to allow pedestrian traffic.
Cherie Down Park
This spot generally has decent parking and can be a good alternative to Jetty Park. In reality, this marker represents the fact that any spot up and down this stretch of beach is a great view, especially for booster landings.
Space View Park
Nice public park on the water with good views!
Viewing guides
See every viewing spot on the map
The map shows each spot against the launch pads, with a live countdown for the next launch. The app adds alerts when a launch moves.