Get your coffee pots ready and set your alarms, Vero Beach! Living on the Treasure Coast offers many perks, but one of the most exciting is our front-row seat to space history. A spectacular display is scheduled to light up our early morning skies this coming Thursday, as the United Launch Alliance (ULA) prepares to send its massive Vulcan rocket skyward.
If the weather holds, this launch promises to be a visual treat for residents across Indian River County. The heavy-lift rocket, generating a staggering amount of power, is expected to be visible from our local beaches and backyards shortly after liftoff.
Launch Details at a Glance
The United Launch Alliance is targeting an early morning window for the USSF-87 national security mission. Here is what you need to know to catch the action:
- Rocket: ULA Vulcan (equipped with four solid rocket boosters)
- Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Launch Complex 41
- Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
- Time: 3:30 a.m. EST
- Window: The launch window extends until 5:30 a.m. if there are minor delays.
What to Expect in Vero Beach
This specific launch is notable because of the sheer power of the vehicle and its trajectory. The Vulcan will be taking an easterly path toward a geosynchronous orbit 22,000 miles above the Earth. Because of this flight path and the rocket’s heavy configuration, visibility is expected to be excellent across the Treasure Coast.
According to visibility maps released by ULA, Indian River County is perfectly positioned to track the rocket during its initial ascent.
Florida residents may see 3 million pounds of thrust when United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan lifts off on the power of its twin methane main engines and four side-mounted solid rocket boosters.
Visibility Timeline for Indian River County
Unlike some launches that disappear quickly behind clouds or fly north away from us, this mission’s trajectory brings the show right past our coastline. Here is the estimated viewing timeline for residents in Sebastian, Vero Beach, and the surrounding areas:
- Launch + 60 Seconds: The rocket should become clearly visible to watchers in Indian River County, Sebastian, and Vero Beach as it climbs.
- Launch + 90 Seconds: As the rocket continues its ascent and jettisons its payload fairing, it remains visible across the Treasure Coast, Martin County, and St. Lucie County.
- Launch + 120 Seconds: By the two-minute mark, the rocket will be high in the atmosphere, potentially visible as far south as West Palm Beach and Jupiter.
The Mission
The USSF-87 mission is a critical operation for the U.S. Space Force. The uncrewed Vulcan rocket will be deploying a national security payload into orbit. This launch utilizes four solid rocket boosters to achieve the necessary lift, which means the “glow” and the “rumble” might be more intense than smaller, frequent launches we often see.
For the best view, head to an east-facing location with an unobstructed view of the northern horizon. Local beaches in Vero Beach and Sebastian are ideal viewing spots, provided the skies are clear.
So, while 3:30 a.m. is certainly an early start to the day, the chance to see 3 million pounds of thrust lighting up the Atlantic Ocean is a uniquely Florida experience you won’t want to miss. Keep an eye on the weather, and happy viewing!
