Launch · Falcon Heavy · Launch Complex 39A

Where to watch Griffin Mission One

Is it worth the drive?

• Playalinda Beach

  Usually closed or opens late for 39A and 39B. No word from the Park Service yet.

What you'll see

• Booster: 2 boosters fly back to land at Cape Canaveral (Unknown)

About the mission

Demonstration flight of the Astrobotic Griffin lander and its engines, initially contracted for the cancelled NASA VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) mission. The vacated payload spot will now host the FLIP (FLEX Lunar Innovation Platform) lunar rover from Astrolab.

Where to stand for a launch from Launch Complex 39A

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

• Falcon Heavy
• Sonic booms
• All viewing guides