Seeing launches
Can we really see a launch from home?
Many Florida families can, especially at night. Rockets from Cape Canaveral may be visible from many places in the state when the sky is clear. The app uses a 200-mile line from the launch pads as its "may be visible" mark. Night launches are easier to spot than daytime ones. Weather, the rocket's path and the time of day all matter, so the app always says "may be visible", never "will be".
How do I find out when the next launch is?
The app lists upcoming launches, with the ones that may be visible from your home first. The Launch Night page on this site shows the next launch from the Cape too. Launch times change often, so check again on the day.
Does it work if we don't live in Florida?
Yes. The missions, patches and printables work anywhere. Launches you can't see from home are still there to read about, and many have a live stream. The backyard part is strongest near Florida's Space Coast.
The app
When can we get the app?
It isn't in the app stores yet. Families who sign up for the free watch sheet hear first when it is ready to try.
What does it cost?
The Cadet membership is free. Galactic Explorer is a paid family membership; the price will be announced before the app launches. See what each one includes on the membership page.
Which ages is it for?
Kids 7 to 10, roughly 2nd to 5th grade. The cards are short enough to read on their own.
How long does a mission take?
About 8 to 10 minutes in the app, plus an optional activity at home with a printable worksheet.
Will it be on iPhone and Android?
That is the plan. It isn't in either store yet.
Safety and privacy
Is it safe for my kid?
The app has no ads and no chat, and nothing on a kid's screen asks for real money. The Watch live button opens the launch company's own stream outside the app, so watch it together. A parent area behind your own passcode holds the settings and the membership.
What does my child need to sign up?
Nothing. A grown-up sets up the app. A kid profile is only a first name or nickname and an age range. There are no accounts for kids, no photos and no email addresses.
Where is my kid's progress stored?
On your device, and in your phone's own backups if you use them. Your ZIP code is looked up inside the app and never sent anywhere. The privacy policy explains it in plain words.
Why do you ask for my email on this site?
Only to send you the watch sheet and Countdown Cadets news. We don't ask anything about your child, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Have the watch sheet ready before the next launch.
You get the printable watch sheet by email right away. You get one more email when the app is ready for families to try. You can unsubscribe with one click.