In one of the most anticipated space missions of the decade, NASA is preparing to send four astronauts on a flyby of the moon during its Artemis II mission. If successful, it will be the first crewed flight to venture around the moon since the last Apollo mission more than 50 years ago.
The 322-foot Space Launch System and Orion capsule were transported to the launchpad at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in mid-January, and the mission could launch as early as Feb. 6, depending on several factors, including prelaunch tests and weather conditions.
Thinking of traveling to the Space Coast for the event? Here’s what you need to know.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets for viewing packages were released by the Kennedy Space Center last Friday and can be purchased directly through the center’s website.
The “Feel the Heat” package, which offers the closest viewing point at 3.5 miles from the launchpad, sold out within hours. As of Tuesday, tickets were still available for viewings at the privately run main visitor complex eight miles away, and start at $99.
NASA is not expected to confirm the launch date for the mission until after a countdown dress rehearsal, which may occur as soon as Jan. 31.
You can sign up for email notifications on the space center’s website for the latest information about the launch.
What if the launch is delayed?
Currently, the earliest launch date is set for Feb. 6. If there are delays caused by technical issues or weather conditions, NASA has put forward several alternative dates, which include: Feb. 7, 8, 10 and 11; March 6, 7, 8, 9 and 11; and April 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6. NASA selected these dates so that the far side of the moon will be in sunlight when the astronauts pass over it.
Ticket packages cover two targeted launch dates. If a launch is canceled twice and viewers have used their tickets to enter the complex, they will not receive a refund and will have to buy a new package for future launch dates. Refunds can only be requested for unused packages.
More details about the ticket policy can be found on the center’s website.
What are the best viewing spots?
Artemis II will take off from Launch Pad 39B on the northern end of the Kennedy Space Center; the best views will be from the center, which is on Merritt Island, near Titusville, and from surrounding public areas.
A close public viewing spot for a visceral experience is from Banana Creek at the Kennedy Space Center’s Apollo/Saturn V Center, though tickets for this venue are sold out. Other viewing areas within the main visitor complex, around eight miles from the launchpad, include the Atlantis North Lawn, Rocket Garden and Parking Lot 3.
KARS Park, a private facility at the Kennedy Space Center, also offers prime viewing spots for a fee, but access may be restricted for a major launch like Artemis II. You can check the park’s status on its Facebook page.
Playalinda Beach is the closest public land to the launch, but the Canaveral National Seashore announced that the entire beach district will be closed for safety reasons until the successful launch of the rocket.
The elevated Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park in Titusville are among the best free public viewing platforms along the Indian River, close to the launchpad. Expect large crowds to start gathering as early as the night before the launch. Space View Park is another popular public spot at the foot of the bridge. The Rotary Riverfront Park, while still crowded, is a less hectic, direct public viewing point, ideal for families.
The Space Bar rooftop at the Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Center is a good option for those — including visitors who aren’t hotel guests — who want to view the launch with food and drink. Be sure to check the venue for reservation and ticket options as the mission launch date approaches.
Will I be able to see the launch from other locations?
The rocket launch will be visible from a vast stretch of the Florida coast, including Cocoa Beach and Vero Beach, which are around 20 miles south of the launchpad. For those farther up the coast on the Eastern Seaboard, visibility will depend on weather conditions and whether the rocket is launched during the day or night. If it is a day launch, the visibility is usually limited to Florida and southern Georgia. But most of the launch windows are scheduled at night; under the right conditions, the rocket could be visible as far as the Outer Banks in North Carolina.
Where should I stay?
Most hotels in Titusville are fully booked during the first week of February in anticipation of the first launch window, but be sure to check availability once the official launch date has been announced, as many people buy flexible rooms and make last-minute changes.
The Hyatt Place Titusville and the Courtyard by Marriott are the closest major hotels to the Space Center, with dedicated rooms for rocket launch viewings and rooms ranging from $200 to over $400.
Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach have many resorts that won’t offer views of the launchpad but will have direct views of the rocket as it climbs. This could be a good option for people who want to avoid traffic, large crowds and the stress of finding parking. The Hilton and Westgate Resort in Cocoa Beach are popular options, especially for families.
The Kennedy Space Center has a separate website for ticket and hotel packages, with special deals for travelers heading to the launch.
What events are there around the launch?
The main event at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is the “Pathway to the Moon” exhibition, an immersive experience inside the Space Shuttle Atlantis that showcases original Artemis hardware and stories about the crew embarking on the Artemis II mission. The event will start four days before the launch and continue for one day after. The exhibition is included with the viewing packages; separate admission starting at $77 can be found here.
Bus tours, which are included with admission, are also available ahead of the launch, allowing visitors to get close to the rocket.
NASA will be holding a virtual launch event with live coverage and commentary. Guests who register will receive a downloadable commemorative launch stamp.
While the Artemis II astronauts are in medical isolation ahead of the mission, the Kennedy Center is hosting a series of events with other NASA astronauts that include presentations, conversations and autograph signings. The events are included with general admission.
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Ceylan Yeğinsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based.
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