Get your coffee ready and set an early alarm, Vero Beach! A spectacular display of aerospace engineering is scheduled to light up the skies over the Treasure Coast, and Indian River County is perfectly positioned for a front-row seat. United Launch Alliance (ULA) is preparing to launch a powerful Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, and trajectory maps indicate the flight path will offer exceptional visibility for our area.
The launch window is set to open overnight on **Monday, December 15, 2025**, specifically targeting a liftoff between **3:49 a.m. and 4:18 a.m. ET**. While early morning launches require a bit of dedication to watch, the reward is often a stunning visual contrast against the dark sky. This specific mission will see the rocket equipped with five solid rocket boosters, providing the intense thrust and brightness needed to carry its payload into orbit.
The ULA Atlas V rocket will be equipped with five solid rocket boosters to launch a batch of Amazon Leo satellites (formerly known as Project Kuiper) into low-Earth orbit — giving a great show to those watching.
**Why This Launch is Special for Vero Beach**
Unlike some launches that head straight out over the open ocean, the trajectory for this mission favors the coastline. ULA has released a visibility map that specifically highlights Indian River County as a prime viewing location almost immediately after liftoff.
According to the flight data, residents in **Sebastian, Vero Beach, and the broader Indian River County** area can expect the following timeline:
- Launch + 60 Seconds: The rocket should become clearly visible to skywatchers across the Treasure Coast, including Vero Beach and Sebastian, as it climbs away from the Space Coast.
- Launch + 90 Seconds: As the rocket continues its ascent, key flight milestones such as the payload fairing jettison may be visible. The visibility zone at this stage firmly covers the entirety of Indian River County, Martin County, and St. Lucie County.
- Launch + 150 Seconds: The rocket will continue downrange, with visibility extending across the state toward Southwest Florida.
**What You Will See**
The mission is carrying a batch of Amazon Leo satellites, part of a massive constellation designed to provide broadband internet connectivity. Because the Atlas V is utilizing five solid rocket boosters, the initial ascent will be incredibly bright. Depending on weather conditions and cloud cover, the glow from the engines could illuminate the sky significantly.
For those planning to watch from their driveways or local beaches, look North/North-East toward Cape Canaveral. Given our proximity—roughly an hour south of the launch pad—the rumble of the rocket is often audible in Vero Beach several minutes after the visual liftoff, appearing as a deep, rolling thunder.
Viewing Tips for Indian River County Residents:
- Check the Weather: Cloud cover is the main variable. If the skies are clear, the viewing conditions should be excellent.
- Look North: From Vero Beach, the rocket will rise from the north and arc over the Atlantic Ocean.
- Stream the Audio: While watching outside, you can follow the countdown via online streams to know exactly when ignition occurs, as there is a visual delay between the Cape and our area.
This launch is expected to be visible far beyond Florida, with skywatchers as far north as New England potentially catching a glimpse of the rocket’s upper stages later in the flight. However, nothing beats the view from the Treasure Coast. Mark your calendars for the early morning hours of **December 15** and look up!
