The Space Coast is the place to be this weekend.
Both a historic rocket launch and a visit form our new president are planned for Saturday.
- SpaceX set to launch Falcon 9 rocket from KSC
- RELATED: Space Coast launch schedule
- Pres. Trump will visit Melbourne for rally
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket is targeting a 10:01 a.m. launch from Launch Complex 39A on Saturday.
It will be the first time a commercial rocket will liftoff from within Kennedy Space Center.
Most of the Apollo and Space Shuttle launches originated from Launch Complex 39A.
It’s an event long in the making for NASA, which has tried to diversify KSC to be both a government and commercial spaceport.
“For us, launching is what we do here at Kennedy Space Center, and seeing SpaceX launch from 39A is a truly historic opportunity for us to christen the multi-user spaceport,” said Tom Engler, KSC’s director of Center Planning and Development.
The Falcon 9 will deliver a cargo capsule to the International Space Station.
Just minutes after launch, the bottom portion of the rocket, the first stage booster, will descend back to Earth.
SpaceX will attempt to land the booster on a landing pad at neighboring Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
It will be the second landing attempt on land, and the first attempt during the day.
In addition, the Space Coast will host another historic moment over the weekend.
President Donald Trump will visit Melbourne at 5 p.m. He made the announcement during a Thursday press conference at the White House.
The campaign-style rally at Orlando Melbourne International Airport will be the first visit to Central Florida for Pres. Trump since his inauguration.
Tickets for the event are already sold out.
“We are all working together to make this a successful trip for President Trump,” Melbourne Mayor Kathy Meehan said.