How to Track SpaceX Drone Ship and Booster Returns to Port Canaveral
Watching a Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy booster return to Port Canaveral on a drone ship is an incredible experience and a must-see event for any space enthusiast. Here’s everything you need to know to track the arrival and make the most of your visit!
How to Track SpaceX Drone Ship and Booster Returns
Follow SpaceX Fleet Movements
SpaceX currently has quite the collection of ships in its recovery fleet, consisting of three Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ships (ASDS), two fairing recovery ships, and two Crew/ Cargo Dragon recovery ships. ASDS are designed to land the booster stage of the Falcon 9 rockets at sea when they return from launch. The three operating ASDS are named “Just Read the Instructions II” (JRTI), “A Shortfall of Gravitas” (ASOG), and “Of Course I Still Love You” (OCISLY). The two fairing recovery ships, “Bob” and “Doug,” are designed to recover the nose cone, otherwise known as the fairing, of the rocket. An interesting fact about the fairing recovery ships is that they are named after NASA astronauts Doug Hurley and Bob Behnken. Finally, the Crew/Cargo Dragon Recovery Ships, “Megan” and “Shannon,” are designed to recover the Crew and Cargo Dragon capsules after splashdown. These ships are both equipped with cranes in order to lift the capsule out of the water, a medical unit for the returning astronauts, and a helicopter landing pad.
Websites such as SpaceXFleet.com and MarineTraffic.com are also great sources to provide real-time locations of each of these ships.
Join Online Communities/ Social Media Groups
Following Facebook groups such as SpaceX Booster Recovery Tracking or the local Space Launch Schedule group is a great way to gain access to information from locals, experienced professionals, or regular launch viewers. Additionally, joining Twitter/ X accounts such as @SpaceXFleet and @PortCanaveral, which both often post updates on booster recovery can be beneficial.
Check SpaceX’s Launch Schedule
Generally, once a rocket is launched, the drone ship typically returns to Port Canaveral anywhere from 2-5 days later. This timeframe depends on weather conditions and the mission profile.
Where to Watch the Booster Return
There are a variety of places to watch the booster return back to the port, and many are similar to the best places for watching rocket launches.
Jetty Park (Entry fee required)
Jetty Park offers a great view of Port Canaveral’s channel, where the drone ship enters upon its return. Jetty Park is located close to the mouth of the port, giving viewers an up-close look!
The Cape Canaveral Exploration Tower is located at the heart of Port Canaveral and is one of the first things that visitors will see upon entering the area. It is a seven story tourist attraction filled with various space related exhibits and displays and also has various lookout balconies to watch rockets launch or boosters return to port.
Public Fishing Piers
Fishing piers such as Freddie Patrick Park and Sunrise Marina offer unique locations for viewing the return of a booster to port. Not only are they free to access but visitors will have a great, up-close viewing opportunity.
The Cove at Port Canaveral
If you are looking for a nice meal to accompany your viewing, there are various waterfront restaurants which offer outdoor seating to see the drone/ booster ship arrive. Each of the recommended restaurants are close by Jetty Park and the Exploration Tower, and include:
Fishlips Waterfront Bar & Grill
A popular spot with an outdoor deck to enjoy excellent views of the port.
Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar
A more laid-back, tropical-themed restaurant with fresh seafood options and view of the passing ships.
A casual sports bar themed dining option with outdoor seating perfect for viewing the drone ship arrival.
A relaxed atmosphere with well known seafood, also offering a beautiful view of booster ship returns.
General Tips for Seeing the Booster Arrive
Arrive Early
In order to gain access to a prime viewing spot, especially at more popular places such as Jetty Park, it’s best to get there at least an hour before the estimated arrival time.
Binoculars and Camera
To solidify the memory and get an even closer look at the soot-covered booster, visitors will often bring binoculars and a camera in which they can zoom in to the view or capture unique pictures.
Check Weather Conditions
Weather conditions can be unpredictable at times, but conditions like thunderstorms, lightning, and excessive winds can all contribute to rough seas and unsafe recovery. This can easily delay entry into the port. Therefore, it is crucial to check the weather before embarking on this unique journey to witness a booster return to port!
Follow Ship Tracking Live
Downloading and following an app such as Marine Traffic or going to websites such as SpaceXFleet.com and MarineTraffic.com are great ways to keep up with live updates of the drone ships.
Summary
Tracking and witnessing a SpaceX booster return to Port Canaveral can definitely take some planning, but it is by all means worth the effort and such a surreal experience! If you’ve only been able to see the rocket launch but not witness the booster return, this is a fantastic way to complete your Space Coast visit. Following the SpaceX fleet movement, joining social media groups, and picking the perfect viewing location, you’ll easily make the most of seeing this in action!
For real-time updates on launch schedules and booster returns, check the Space Launch Schedule and stay connected with fellow space enthusiasts!
