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Starship to Pass Southwest of Puerto Rico Today

Published Jul 16, 2026, 3:46 PM ASTvia Primera Hora

Why this matters: For Puerto Rico residents, this event offers a rare opportunity to witness a significant space launch and potentially see or hear the Starship spacecraft as it passes near the island.

The Starship spacecraft, developed by SpaceX, is scheduled to launch between 6:45 and 8:15 PM on July 16 and will be visible from Puerto Rico, passing approximately 200 miles south of Cabo Rojo, according to the Sociedad Astronómica del Caribe (SAC). The launch will be broadcast live on YouTube. The SAC stated that the spacecraft will be visible 11 to 13 minutes after launch, looking southwest or 225º on a compass.

Even if it’s not possible to see the spacecraft, the roar of its engines may be heard, as it emits electrophonic sounds that are simultaneous with its passage. The exact launch time is currently set for 6:45 PM, but it may be postponed until 8:15 PM if necessary.

In context (787daily, from public data)

  • Cabo Rojo

    46,876Census estimate, 2020–20241771Founded70.3 sq mi (182.2 km²)Area
SourcePrimera Hora

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