Brevard County, Fla. – Crowds are expected along Brevard County beaches as NASA and SpaceX are preparing to launch the Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station.
The Wednesday evening liftoff, along with Spring Break tourism, could bring an influx of spending to local businesses.
David Lane was among dozens staying in Jetty Park, which is a popular viewing spot for launches. He said he’s expecting hundreds to flood the park for the launch.
“It’s great for the economy,” Lane said. “You see it all the time, it’s just growing. There’s some young kids here on Spring Break and they’re enjoying themselves.”
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There’s also extra attention on the Crew-10 mission as it marks the beginning of a return home for astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunni Williams.
The two launched on a Boeing Starliner capsule in June and were expected to be on the ISS for just over a week.
Plans for the astronauts, however, changed when their capsule malfunctioned and a decision was made for it to return to Earth without anyone onboard.
Wilmore and Williams were then folded into Crew-9, who will return home after the arrival of Crew-10 at the ISS.
Those in Jetty Park said they’ll be watching the Crew-10 launch with the astronauts in mind and hope for their safe return.
“Those people up there, they’ve been there for maybe the last nine months, so would be nice if they come down and be safe,” camper Charles Muscat said.
Crew-10 is scheduled to liftoff at 7:48 p.m. from pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center.