residents of Vero Beach and the wider Indian River County area may want to set an early alarm for this Thursday morning. A spectacular display of aerospace engineering is scheduled to light up the night sky as United Launch Alliance (ULA) prepares to send its powerful Vulcan rocket into orbit from the Space Coast.
The mission, designated as USSF-87, is a national security launch for the U.S. Space Force. While rocket launches are a staple of life on the Florida coast, this particular event promises to be highly visible from our local beaches and backyards due to the rocket’s immense power and the dark, early-morning backdrop.
Launch Details for Vero Beach Watchers
The launch is currently scheduled for 3:30 a.m. EST on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. The rocket will lift off from Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. If technical issues or weather conditions interfere, ULA has a two-hour launch window extending until 5:30 a.m.
The Vulcan rocket will be carrying a Space Force payload into a geosynchronous orbit approximately 22,000 miles above Earth. To achieve this, the vehicle will generate a staggering 3 million pounds of thrust, utilizing twin methane main engines and four side-mounted solid rocket boosters. This massive output of energy means the ascent should be unmistakably bright against the dark pre-dawn sky.
Visibility Timeline for Indian River County
ULA has released a visibility map indicating that the launch will be viewable across most of Florida, from Jacksonville down to Miami. However, Vero Beach and Sebastian are situated in a prime viewing corridor.
According to the flight trajectory, local residents can expect the following timeline:
Depending on weather and cloud cover, Floridians (and visitors) as far as Jacksonville, Cape Coral and Miami could see it light up the sky after liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Visibility from most of Florida is possible, according to ULA.
How to Watch
For the best viewing experience in Vero Beach, look toward the north-northeast. Because this is a night launch, the fiery exhaust of the solid rocket boosters should be visible without the aid of binoculars, assuming the skies remain clear of low cloud cover.
For those who prefer to watch from indoors, the launch will be broadcast live. Coverage generally begins two hours prior to liftoff on the Florida Today space page and various streaming platforms.
Whether you are watching from the boardwalk in Vero Beach or your driveway in Sebastian, this upcoming launch serves as a reminder of our region’s close connection to the history and future of American space exploration.
