A SpaceX rocket with four astronauts will be launched for the first time from the Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday night and may be visible from North Carolina.
The 20:02 takeoff time arrives approximately 40 minutes after sunset in central North Carolina. When the sun sinks below the horizon, it still shines at higher altitudes. The rocket’s exhaust lead, especially as it expands into the finer upper atmosphere, may be visible.
Starting shortly after 8 p.m., look southeast, initially low on the horizon. The rocket will move from right to left as it climbs the hill into orbit.
This release is not expected to be as prominent as the pre-dawn releases. This is because we will see the light of the setting sun reflected by the plume instead of shining from the rising sun.
On board will be billionaire businessman Jared Isaacman along with three guests: geoscientist and science communicator Sian Proctor, physician’s assistant Hayley Arcenaux, and Chris Sembroki, a former U.S. space field adviser.
The launch time looks good, with the latest forecasts from the 45th U.S. Space Force Meteorological Squadron predicting 90% favorable conditions.
