(This story has been updated to add the latest information as the storm progresses.)
Brevard's Space Coast was looking forward to double launches this week, which happens to be National Space Week — however the weather had different plans. Now, Hurricane Milton is on track to barrel through Florida on Thursday, with the storm's bands reaching Brevard on Wednesday as a possible Category 1 hurricane.
The local Space Force is preparing now ahead of the incoming storm. As of Monday evening, the Space Force − Space Launch Delta 45 − remained in active HURRICON III status. This status indicates that within 48 hours surface winds in excess of 50 knots (58 mph) could arrive in the area of Patrick Space Force Base and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Meanwhile, Amanda Griffin, Deputy Chief, Office of Communications at NASA told FLORIDA TODAY via email that as of noon Monday, Kennedy Space Center has entered HURRICON III status.
"With this, teams are securing facilities, property, and equipment. At the point where Kennedy is 24 hours from experiencing 50-knot sustained winds, the center would go into a HURCON II status. At that point, all securing actions are completed and a Ride Out Team is called in and sheltered in the Launch Control Center," wrote Griffin.
While Kennedy Space Center is currently open, this could quickly change as the storm charges across the state.
Anyone headed to Kennedy Space Center grounds should call 866-572-4877 (KSC-HURR) to check the status. Gate closures are possible.
Director of Public Relations at Space Florida, Alayna Curry, provided FLORIDA TODAY with the following statement:
"Space Florida is making appropriate preparations for the impacts of Hurricane Milton. Our team has activated emergency protocols to ensure the safety of our personnel, operations and infrastructure, including the Launch and Landing Facility, our headquarters, and launch pads. We are closely coordinating with state emergency management teams to monitor the storm and respond swiftly to any developments. Space Florida remains committed to protecting our operations and ensuring a rapid recovery, maintaining the resilience that defines Florida's aerospace industry."
NASA missions impacted by Florida Hurricane Milton
NASA's Crew-8 astronauts were planning to splashdown Tuesday off the coast of Florida, however this has been delayed until no earlier than 3:05 a.m. on Thursday, October 10. NASA will be continuing to monitor weather conditions. Meanwhile, the crew will remain safe onboard the space station until good landing weather.
NASA's highly anticipated mission to Jupiter's icy moon, Europa Clipper, is also delayed. Previously set to launch atop a Space X Falcon Heavy rocket on Thursday from Kennedy Space Center Pad 39A, teams are instead moving the spacecraft back to the hanger. Once Milton passes, NASA and SpaceX will announce the updated launch date.
Europa Clipper has a limited launch window, as Jupiter must be in the right position from Earth for the spacecraft to get there with the fuel it can carry. According to NASA, backup opportunities exist until November 6. The next opportunities exist on Friday at 12:25 p.m., Saturday at 12:19 p.m., Sunday at 12:12 p.m., and Oct. 14 at 12:06 p.m. EDT.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars .
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Ahead of Milton, Cape Canaveral Space Force and NASA prepare for the arrival of storm
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