SpaceX and NROL are planning to launch the classified NROL-69 payload today during the mid-afternoon local time. Liftoff is currently scheduled for 1:42 PM ET, with the launch window open until 2:24 PM later the same day. At T+ 8m22s, the Falcon 9 booster used for the flight will return to land at Landing Zone 1 at Cape Canaveral, and a sonic boom will reverberate through the Space Coast region afterwards.

At A Glance

Mission	NROL-69
Launch Window Opens	1:42 PM EDT
Launch Window Closes	2:24 PM EDT
Organization	SpaceX
Launch Site	Space Launch Complex 40, Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA
Rocket	Falcon 9 Block 5
Status	Go for Launch
Destination	Classified
Mission Description	Classified payload for the US National Reconnaissance Office

Assuming a 1:42 PM ET liftoff, here is the sequence of events for the day:

Event	Time After Liftoff	Clock Time (EDT)
Max Q (Maximum Aerodynamic Pressure)	00:01:07	1:43:07 PM
1st Stage Main Engine Cutoff (MECO)	00:02:14	1:44:14 PM
1st and 2nd Stages Separation	00:02:17	1:44:17 PM
2nd Stage Engine Start (SES-1)	00:02:25	1:44:25 PM
Boostback Burn Start	00:02:31	1:44:31 PM
Fairing Deployment	00:03:07	1:45:07 PM
Boostback Burn End	00:03:25	1:45:25 PM
1st Stage Entry Burn Start	00:06:37	1:48:37 PM
1st Stage Entry Burn End	00:06:58	1:48:58 PM
1st Stage Landing Burn Start	00:07:50	1:49:50 PM
2nd Stage Engine Cutoff (SECO-1)	00:08:21	1:50:21 PM
1st Stage Landing	00:08:22	1:50:22 PM

Trajectory

The anticipated trajectory for this launch is northeastward.

Weather

The US Space Force’s 45th Weather Squadron of Space Launch Delta 45 is calling for conditions to be 90% GO during the launch window.

Online Viewing

SpaceX will have a livestream of the launch on their website: NROL-69. This will also be available on the X platform. Coverage starts about fifteen minutes before liftoff.

Spaceflight Now will have coverage of the launch starting about one hour before liftoff on Youtube: link

For official updates regarding launch times, SpaceX.com is the best source of information. Starlink launch times change from time to time, and the company generally updates their website within minutes of the decision to change the launch time. This is very handy if none of the streaming options on YouTube have started their broadcasts.

Remember that there is a delay between a launch stream and the actual countdown clock. That is simply because of physics: it takes time for the signal to travel from the launch site, through the Internet, and back down to your phone, resulting in a five to fifteen-second delay.

Next Space Flight an app for iOS and Android phones, has a real-time countdown clock that is accurate to a second, give or take. The app is free. Search the App Store or Google Play. They are also on the web: nextspaceflight.com.

Launch Viewing: In Person

The best options are available for spectators: Jetty Park, the Banana River Bridge on FL 528 W or the southern Titusville parks on Washington Avenue / US-1 are your best bets. Playalinda Beach will also be open, but be sure to go early if that is your plan.

If you are interested in watching the landing, your best bet is Jetty Park. If the launch is what you’re after, the southern Titusville parks or the Banana River Bridge on 528W is where to go.

The Space Bar will be open through the launch window. New York New York in Titusville will be open to roughly 7 PM, and is a great place to watch as well. Restaurants in Port Canaveral, specifically Gators Dockside, Fishlips and Grills Seafood should have good views after the rocket clears obstructions.

Cocoa Beach or the Cocoa Beach Pier area is also very good, but ignition won’t be visible and it will take several seconds for the rocket to clear obstructions between the launch pad and viewers.