First launch from Cape Canaveral was added to Your Favorites!
Patrick AFB, Florida
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On July 24, 1950, the United States launched a V-2 rocket, marking the beginning of Cape Canaveral's role in space exploration.
Before it became famous for space launches, Cape Canaveral was called Cape of Currents by Spanish explorers due to its treacherous waters.
The site was selected for its proximity to the equator, allowing rockets to take advantage of the Earth's rotation for extra velocity.
Since its first launch in 1950, Cape Canaveral has been a pivotal site for both military and civilian space missions.
Cape Canaveral is part of the Eastern Range, which includes the Kennedy Space Center, a hub for NASA's space missions.
It was from here that the Apollo missions, including the first moon landing, were launched.
From 1963 to 1973, it was called Cape Kennedy in honor of President John F. Kennedy, before reverting to its original name.
The area around the launch site is home to a variety of wildlife, including alligators and manatees, protected within the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.
