SouthCoast & Rhode Island May Get A View of NASA Rocket Launch

Jul 17, 2023

If you see something surprising in the sky tonight, it’s not the aliens coming to say hello. You may have just been one of the lucky ones to see NASA’s latest rocket launch taking off from Wallops Island, Virginia.

The Northrop Grumman’s Antares rocket will launch at 8:31 pm Tuesday night and be visible from Rhode Island and Massachusetts.

NASA announced its latest launch last week, sharing it would be visible, weather permitting, to residents throughout the mid-Atlantic region and possibly the East Coast of the US.

According to the diagram provided by NASA, Rhode Island and SouthCoast residents will have a chance of visibility at two to two and a half minutes after launch.

“This will be Northrop Grumman’s 19th commercial resupply services mission for NASA, delivering science investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station,” shared NASA.

CBS News shared that viewers will need a clear and unobstructed view of the southern horizon, and the farther south you live, the better the view.

“Those on the SouthCoast, Cape and Islands should have a terrific show,” said the outlet.

And after the rocket launch, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the first of two supermoons that will be visible this month.

Live launch coverage and countdown commentary will begin at 8 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Aug. 1, and air on NASA Television and the agency’s website, as well as YouTube, Twitter, and NASA’s App.

Members of the public outside of the viewing area can register to attend the launch virtually. Virtual guests will have access to curated resources, schedule changes, and mission-specific information straight to your inbox.