posted 06-06-2022 08:30 AM
I’ve been considering a trip to Boca Chica, Texas to see SpaceX's Starship launch site there. But as just a regular sort of guy how much of the Starbase would I be able to see from public areas?
Is there a visitor's center? How long should I plan to spend there?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 50185 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 06-06-2022 09:04 AM
From what I understand (and have seen) there is no public access to Starbase. There is no visitor's center and the public is not welcome. High walls have been erected to block the view from the one road that runs to the facility and, from what I have read online, the public is no longer allowed to park or pause along that road to take pictures or try to see what they can see.
That said, depending on what activity is going on at the time, there are views of the launch mount and whatever vehicles are outside the high bays from further away on San Padre Island. Here is a video from a local source that shows the various (launch) viewing areas.
SpaceX will begin launching Starship prototypes this year at SpaceX Boca Chica. Isla Blanca Beach Park on the southern tip of South Padre Island Texas is the best possible viewing area. This drone footage from Jan 5, 2019 shows an aerial view with some important information for visitors.
ozspace Member
Posts: 241 From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Registered: May 2009
posted 08-17-2022 12:49 AM
A mate of mine is planning to head down to Boca Chica to take a look at Starbase and would love some information on what, where and who he could see!
He's driving down from Houston on Saturday September 10 and off again next evening, but could extend if needed. I was wondering if anyone might be able to offer some suggestions and maybe have a "SpaceX" dinner some place?
Editor's note: Threads merged.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 50185 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-13-2022 04:04 PM
This video and companion article from The Verge includes a bus tour for tourists visiting Starbase as well as profiles of the different types of SpaceX fans who have made regular trips to Boca Chica.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 50185 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 04-04-2023 12:59 PM
From Tim Dodd, aka Everyday Astronaut:
Today we'll do a full rundown on how exactly to visit Starbase, what and where Starbase is, tips on how to visit like where you can and can't go, where to watch a launch from, where to fly into, tips on when to book flights if you're trying to catch a launch, where to stay, where to eat, and other fun things to do in the area while you're inevitably waiting for a launch.
And perhaps you're just a huge Starship and Starbase fan and just want to get a better sense of what it's like, well you're in the right place. We'll help you understand this area better than ever before!
posted 06-06-2022 08:30 AM
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