For years, the Space Coast has been packed with cars and spectators during major launches like the historic SpaceX Crew-1 astronaut mission that drew up to 250,000 visitors in November 2020. However, the traffic has lessened as Brevard County set a record with 72 orbital launches last year, with an expected increase to 90 launches by the end of this year.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex’s chief operating officer, Therrin Protze, mentioned that the frequent launches have decreased the initial attendance boost as people know there will be more launches to come.
Despite the busy launch schedule, huge crowds still gather for significant launches like the United Launch Alliance’s Delta IV Heavy and SpaceX Falcon Heavy. There are various prime viewing spots along the coastlines, from Jetty Park Beach to Cocoa Beach Pier.
To avoid traffic congestion, visitors should plan ahead, arrive early, and keep an eye on updates from Brevard Emergency Management. Overall, patience is key when driving to witness a rocket launch on the iconic Space Coast.
Vocabulary List:
- Spectators (noun): People who watch an event or performance.
- Lessened (verb): To become smaller or decrease in amount.
- Orbital (adjective): Relating to an orbit (path followed by an object around another).
- Attendance (noun): The action or fact of attending something.
- Congestion (noun): The state of being overcrowded or blocked.
- Iconic (adjective): Describing something that is widely recognized and well-established.
