SpaceX Falcon 9 NROL-77
| Day | Date | Times |
|---|---|---|
| NET TueTuesday | December 9 |
|
Add a rocket launch to your day at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex!
Launch Viewing at the Gantry at LC-39
Launch viewing has returned to one of the most iconic vantage points on the Space Coast—the Gantry at LC-39. Newly renovated and now open to the public, this historic site offers an incredible public launch viewing experience. With only a limited number of tickets, this is a rare opportunity to witness liftoff from a location steeped in spaceflight history and unmatched in proximity.
LC-39 Launch Transportation Ticket
$99 IN ADDITION TO ADMISSION
- Approximately 3.4 miles / 5.5 kilometers from the launch pad
- Launch Transportation Ticket (LTT) is required in addition to a valid admission ticket
- Check-in begins at 12:45 PM, and buses will begin boarding at 1:00 PM in the Rocket Garden at the south end (engine end) of the Saturn 1B rocket.
- Launch audio, video feed, and commentary provided by a space-expert communicator
Launch Viewing at the Apollo/Saturn V Center
This prime viewing location, adjacent to the Apollo/Saturn V Center, offers outdoor bleacher seating with views of launch pads across Banana Creek. If open during the launch window, the Apollo/Saturn V Center includes Apollo Program exhibits and offers a close-up look at the world’s largest rocket, the Saturn V.
Apollo/Saturn V Center
BANANA CREEK LAUNCH VIEWING AREA
Included with admission
- See the rocket leave the launch pad
- Accessible via the Kennedy Space Center Bus Tour on a first-come, first-served basis
- Approximately 6.2 miles / 10 kilometers from the launch pad
- Launch Viewing Area opens at 12:15 PM
- Launch audio, video, and commentary by a space-expert communicator
Launch Viewing at the Main Visitor Complex
Experience the thrill of launch day from the heart of the visitor complex. With admission, you’ll have access to designated viewing areas, live launch commentary, and all the exhibits and attractions that make the complex a full-day destination. It’s a great way to enjoy the excitement of liftoff while exploring everything space exploration has to offer.
Main Visitor Complex
INCLUDED WITH ADMISSION TO THE VISITOR COMPLEX
ATLANTIS NORTH LAWN
Located to the left when approaching Space Shuttle Atlantis®
- See the rocket once it clears the tree line
- Limited bleacher seating
- The launch viewing area will open at 1:15 PM to guests
- Approximately 6.7 miles / 10.8 kilometers from the launch pad
- Launch audio, video, and communicator commentary available
MISSION OVERVIEW
The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) and U.S. Space Force Space Systems Command (SSC) are partnering to launch NROL-77 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket through the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) program. This mission carries a national security payload designed, built, and operated by NRO.
The flying squirrel is a symbol of hard work and endurance — always active, gathering foundational knowledge from the space domain for the nation and its allies.
Launch Provider: SpaceX
Rocket: Falcon 9 | Block 5
Booster Landing: Landing Zone 2 | Cape Canaveral Space Force Station