Late-night ULA rocket launch may wake up Floridians

Vulcan rocket's 3 million pounds of thrust could be felt across the state.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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United Launch Alliance's massive Vulcan rocket is scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 41 at 3:30 a.m. ET on February 12, 2026. The rocket's 3 million pounds of thrust could be seen and felt across much of Florida, with the rumble and potential window-shaking reaching as far as Tampa, Miami, and West Palm Beach.

Why it matters

Rocket launches from Florida's Space Coast are a source of community pride, but they can also disrupt sleep and rattle windows for residents across a wide swath of the state. This high-profile Vulcan launch will test the limits of how far the effects of a powerful rocket liftoff can be felt.

The details

The Vulcan rocket stands 202 feet tall and will use twin methane main engines and four side-mounted solid rocket boosters to generate its immense 3 million pounds of thrust. This powerful liftoff is expected to create a noticeable rumble and potential window-shaking in areas closest to the launch site, as well as being visible to observers across much of Florida's East Coast.

  • The Vulcan rocket is scheduled to lift off at 3:30 a.m. ET on February 12, 2026.
  • The launch window extends until 5:30 a.m. ET on the same day.

The players

United Launch Alliance (ULA)

A joint venture between Lockheed Martin and Boeing that provides launch services for the U.S. government and commercial customers.

U.S. Space Force

The space warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces, responsible for the USSF-87 national security payload being launched on the Vulcan rocket.

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What’s next

The launch is currently scheduled for February 12, 2026, but the date could change if there are any delays or scrubs.

The takeaway

This high-powered Vulcan rocket launch will test the limits of how far the effects of a powerful liftoff can be felt across Florida, potentially disrupting sleep and rattling windows for residents well beyond the immediate Space Coast area.