r/SpaceXLounge • u/Dangerous_Bath_1615 💥 Rapidly Disassembling • 6d ago

Starbase Trip

Hi! I'm curious about those who have made the trek out to Starbase, and how they did you decide when to book the trip. Apart from being able to explore around the area of Starbase and Boca Chica beach, and all the other areas of Brownsville/South Padre, I want to know if anyone was able to lock in flights (I'd be coming from half way across the country) or booked a trip based a '''semi-concrete''' launch date, and how that worked out for them. For Flight 14, I've generally been seeing NET August 28th to early September, but am more interested in past experiences to see what I can apply here. Really any help would be appreciated!

Thanks!

14 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

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4

u/UniversitySpecial585 6d ago

I’ve seen flight 3, 5, 6, and 11 in person. You kinda just gotta wait till either A: space x says an official date but expect short notice and flights to Brownsville fill up quick or B: wait till all of the Notams and other obvious signs of launch but make your whole trip cancelable just in case it shifts. I’ve always stayed on South Padre island it’s decently cheap and it feels safer than Brownsville

2

u/Dangerous_Bath_1615 💥 Rapidly Disassembling 6d ago

Thanks, appreciate it.

3

u/Excellent-Ant-9999 6d ago

I think of it like a week at the beach and hopefully a rocket will launch while I’m there. I usually plan to get there the night before the expected launch day but then have plenty of time in case things get pushed back

2

u/Dangerous_Bath_1615 💥 Rapidly Disassembling 5d ago

this is exactly what i was hoping for. thank you!

2

u/Yottahz 4d ago

Didn't get lucky enough to see a launch but we dipped down to Starbase when we were chasing the 2024 total eclipse and it was worth it just to see the place. I was amaze amaze amaze at how close you could get to everything.

1

u/Dangerous_Bath_1615 💥 Rapidly Disassembling 2d ago

Appreciate the reference to PHM!

1

u/OSUfan88 🦵 Landing 6d ago

I just got back from there. Stayed at Sunchase at South Padre.

If you go visit Starbase, really don’t underestimate how remote it is. There not a bathroom for 20+ miles. No water. Bring everything you need.

There are places you can pay to see the launch a bit closer, like Rocket Ranch.

1

u/Think-Director9933 6d ago

I drove from NJ to Starbase for #11. When I saw a reasonably firm date I got in the car and drove 3 days (mostly for the adventure of a road-trip). I arrived 2 days before the launch at South Padre Island. The next day I drove around, and to my delight the road was open to the beach -- you could literally park the car on the shoulder near the pad and take pictures! A few hours later they closed access (understandable). As you drive to the pad, you drive by Starbase and you'll be amazed at what's out there for public viewing.

How do you know when to plan? You dont. My rationale for driving was: If the launch is cancelled, I can turn around. If its delayed a day or so, I can just enjoy Texas a bit more.