We’re scheduled for lift off, folks!
NASA Wallops has slotted Feb 19, 2022 as the current date for their next Antares launch. Watching a rocket launch is an incredible experience, whether it’s your first time or your 100th. As you are planning your trip to watch a launch, there are a few things to keep in mind to make your visit as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Ready to plan a trip to watch a launch? Remember these things:
1) Dates are flexible. Keep in mind that the dates for rocket launches are flexible and often change. The ideal situation would be that the rocket would launch exactly on schedule and sometimes that happens, but often the weather or other factors will cause a delay. In this situation, having a backup plan for activities and things to see is the best way to make sure your trip is still incredible! Check out our Eat, Stay, and Play pages on our site for inspiration and trip planning help.
2) Dress for the weather. With the crowds that gather for rocket launches, you will probably have to arrive early and possibly walk to where you will watch the launch. Be sure to dress warmly and wear good shoes! The alternative to this? Book a room in a Chincoteague hotel that backs up to the water and watch it right out your back door!
Photo by James L. Jenkins, Jr.
3) Bring your camera and tripod. We’ve all been there – you have this incredible experience, and you can’t wait to share it, but your phone video is so shaky! Be sure to pack something like a tripod for your phone or bring along that dusty old DSLR you haven’t picked up in ages. You’ll be glad to have as many pictures and videos as you can!
4) Learn about the launch! Take time to learn about NASA and the missions they are launching for. This mission is a Northrop Grumman Cargo Resupply CRS-17. Missions like these are vital to the continual research NASA is carrying out in space!
5) Discover the different types of rockets. So, you’ve heard about this launch, and it sounds cool, but what is an Antares rocket anyways? Read more about it here: Northrop Grumman Antares Rocket. There are several different kinds of rockets and there are launches happening frequently at NASA Wallops. Find the right one for you by finding your favorite rocket!
Ok, now you’re a rocket launch expert and you are ready to have the best trip ever to Virginia’s Eastern Shore. With some flexibility, a little bit of luck, and a sense of adventure, you’re sure to have a BLAST!
And we’ve gotta ask – what’s your favorite type of rocket? Let us know in the comments!
On April 17th, 2019, the NG-11 Antares rocket launched from the Wallops Island Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Virginia.
Virginia Tourism Corporation, www.Virginia.org
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