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FAQs



If your question relates specifically to United States Space Force, see the USSF Questions section. If you have a question which is not addressed here, you may find the answer by visiting the Questions page of Air Force Link. If you have a general military question, refer to the Department of Defense Frequently Asked Questions page.

Topics

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 Can I fly my Drone near Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida? 

Information about Drones can be found on the Federal Aviation Administration website.

 Frequently Asked Questions about Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida

Can a military retiree or the public visit Cape Canaveral's cultural and historical resources?

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is a restricted-access area and not open to the general public. 

Doesn't the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station belong to NASA?

No. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the site of many historic launches, is a detachment of Patrick Space Force Base and is the East Coast space launch facility for the Department of Defense. NASA owns the Kennedy Space Center, which is in Merritt Island, Florida, next to Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. 

Is the Cape ever open to the public?

Due to a heightened security posture it is uncertain when this may happen again. Space Launch Delta 45 does not offer tours of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

Who is eligible to get on Cape Canaveral Space Force Station?

Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is a restricted-access area and not open to the public. Only personnel with a CAC are authorized access. DoD and/or military ID cards, such a dependent and military retiree ID card do not qualify. For more information call Cape Canaveral Space Force Station 45th Security Forces Squadron at 321-853-5261 or 321-494-1110.
 
 Frequently Asked Questions about Launches

Can the public watch the launches?

The public is welcome to watch any launch; however, there are no open/public viewing facilities at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station due to the location of our launch facilities and safety concerns. Launches may be viewed along the majority of the beach areas in Brevard County. The following are a few public viewing locations:

-State Road 528 or the Beach Line Expressway, the commuter road from Orlando to Titusville. Approaching Port Canaveral, a view of the launch pads on CCSFS may be seen from the Indian and Banana Rivers. It is recommended that anyone wishing to view a launch from SR 528 find a safe location where traffic will not be impeded.

-Off State Road A1A along the Atlantic Ocean in Cocoa Beach.

-Along the Indian River on U.S. Highway 1, between SR 405 and 402 (near Titusville). 

-Boaters viewing launches should tune to Channel 16 VHF-FM for instructions from the Coast Guard pertaining to restricted areas. The Coast Guard will patrol those areas in the rivers and offshore in the Atlantic Ocean. Boaters will not be permitted north of marker 15 on the Banana River (where the high wires cross the river). Boaters may not enter the southern part of Mosquito Lagoon (past the Haulover Canal). However, the canal, part of the Intracoastal Waterway, will remain open to traffic. Boaters may not set foot on any land that is part of CCSFS or Kennedy Space Center.

Note: The sites are suggestions only; there are other locations to watch launches.

 

Do most of the rockets launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station carry classified satellites?

No. In fact, the lion's share of our launches are not classified. Only certain missions are classified in the interest of national security.

 

What type of rockets does the Space Force launch?

The Space Force launches Delta IV and Atlas V vehicles from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. 

 

Why are these rockets launched?

Most rockets launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station carry military and commercial satellites. A few carry scientific satellites and other types of payloads for NASA.

 

With the end of the "Cold War" why is the military launching satellites?

The military uses space systems for navigation, weather, communications and reconnaissance purposes. Even with the end of the Cold War, the need for these systems continues to support worldwide military contingencies. Space systems are in use by troops deployed in Southwest Asia, on relief operations and other military deployments across the globe. Space systems are an integral part of the Space Force's philosophy of "Global Engagement."
 How do I apply to apply for a job at Patrick-Cape?

For employment information, go to GoPatrickFL.com and click on Civilian Personnel.

 How do I contact the Law Enforcement Desk at Patrick Space Force Base?

The Law Enforcement Desk Section is responsible for managing the communications and task assignments for available Law and Order assets 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can be reached at 321-494-2000 or 321-494-2008.

 How do I get in contact with the Space Launch Delta 45 Historian? 
 How do I get in contact with the Transition Assistance Program, for those leaving military service or retiring from service. We are interested in making them aware of career opportunities in our industry?

To reach the Transition Assistance Program Coordinator, call 321-494-5676.

 How do I join the United States Space Force?
 May I purchase patches, coins, and souvenirs?

The DOD cannot provide official items but several private companies exist to meet your needs. You may use your Internet browser's search engine to find the appropriate one.
 

 What credentials do I need to access Patrick Space Force Station, Florida? 

For the most-up-to-date information, call the Pass & ID/Visitor Center at Patrick Space Force Base at 321-494-0427. Click here for Base Directory.