Rocket launch likely mistaken for flare off Isle of Palms, Coast Guard says SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket at approximately 3:24 a.m. Thursday from the Kennedy Space Center. Coast Guard officials say it is possible the rocket booster's re-entry minutes later could have been mistaken for a flare from a boater or swimmer in distress that prompted a search off the Isle of Palms. (Source: SpaceX) By Patrick Phillips | March 4, 2021 at 5:13 AM EST - Updated March 4 at 6:30 AM ISLE OF PALMS, S.C. (WCSC/CNN) - The launch of a SpaceX rocket from the Kennedy Space Center may be what prompted a search for a boater or swimmer in distress off the Isle of Palms early Thursday morning.