NASA Minotaur Rocket Launch Will Be Visible From NYC, NJ And More States

Skywatchers from the East Coast of the United States can enjoy a brief glimpse of NASA's rocket as it launches into space on Tuesday.

At approximately 7 a.m. EDT on June 15, the Minotaur 1 rocket is set to blast off the surface of the planet from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. According to a news release published by NASA, the launch may be visible from many eastern states including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.

As with any rocket launch viewing, clear skies are essential to get a good view of the event.

“Get up early June 15, grab a cup of coffee and watch the rise of Northrop Grumman’s Minotaur 1 rocket as it’s launched into space,” NASA wrote. "The launch may be visible, weather permitting, to residents throughout the mid-Atlantic region and possibly the East Coast of the United States."

The Minotaur 1 rocket, which was manufactured by the aerospace company Northrop Grumman, will be carrying three national-security payloads for the National Reconnaissance Office, NJ.com has learned.

Based on a map posted on Facebook by Northrop Grumman Corporation, residents from various eastern states such as Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Providence and even Wilmington will be able to catch sight of the Minotaur 1 rocket for 30 to 60 seconds as it makes its way into outer space.

The anticipated rocket launch will be coordinated by the U.S. Space Force and the Space and Missile Systems Center’s Launch Enterprise, NASA said.

For those living outside the aforementioned states, NASA will be providing live coverage of the mission countdown on the Wallops Youtube site. The space agency will also post updates of the launch via its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Northrop Grumman's Minotaur rockets provide low-cost, reliable access to space for the government's sponsored payloads. According to the aerospace company's site, the Minotaur rockets have already completed 27 missions and have a success rate of 100%, proving that the rockets are highly reliable.

The Minotaur 1 rocket is capable of launching payloads up to 580 kg (1,278 lbs) into low Earth orbit and has successfully conducted 100% of its mission. To date, the rocket has successfully delivered 62 satellites into orbit.