NASA Rocket Launch Viewing Information

NASA

NASA - From the Earth's Surface to the Moon and Beyond!

 

The islands of Chincoteague and Assateague on the Eastern Shore of Virginia are perfectly positioned to offer spectacular public viewing sites (listed below) for suborbital and orbital rocket launches throughout the year. When planning your lodging options for such launches from NASA Wallops Flight Facility, you may want to consider an accommodation overlooking the Chincoteague Channel with a western facing private balcony view as it may be the perfect location to view an early morning launch.

The NASA Visitor Center and its grounds are open to support most launches from Wallops Island. The Visitor Center is located approximately 4 miles from the launch pads with a clear view of every launch from ground to sky. Parking is available on a first come, first served basis. The Visitor Center launch viewing area consists of two bleachers and an open field. Many viewers will bring their own chairs or blankets but please note there are restrictions as to what can be brought onto the Visitor Center grounds.

Antares rockets, typically require the closure of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore, Virginia due their proximity in the hazard zone.

A variety of unforeseen circumstances may interrupt the launch schedule and cause a rocket launch to slip for a day or longer including weather, mechanical or logistical situations. Chincoteague and Assateague Islands offer endless opportunities to eat, play and stay while awaiting the next window of opportunity.  Explore our website for options and our Accommodations page to book your stay.

For up-to-date information on launches, please call 757-824-2050 or visit the Wallops Flight Facility homepage.

 

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We have compiled a list of what we have found to be the BEST ROCKET VIEWING SITES on Wallops, Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. Enjoy your time in the land of rockets and wild ponies!!

NASA Visitor's Center

Directions:

  • From Rt 13, turn east at T's Corner stop light onto Chincoteague Rd/VA-175
  • Located about 7 miles on Rt 175, outside of NASA Wallops Facility on right
  • NOTE: There is NO PARKING permitted on Rt 175

Queen's Sound Landing

Along Causeway on Rt 175 to Chincoteague Island, VA
Directions:

  • From Rt 13, turn east at T's Corner stop light onto Chincoteague Rd/VA-175
  • Follow Rt 175 7.9 miles to public boat landing on right
  • NOTE: there is NO PARKING permitted on Rt 175

Curtis Merritt Harbor

2246 Curtis Merritt Harbor Rd., Chincoteague Island, VA
Directions:

  • From Rt 13, turn east at T's Corner stop light onto Chincoteague Rd/VA-175
  • Follow Rt 175 across causeway and bridges to Chincoteague Island
  • Turn right at the stop light onto Main Street, heading south
  • The entrance to the Harbor is near the end of the road on the left

Town Dock/Robert Reed Park

4083 Main Street, Chincoteague Island, VA
Directions:

  • From Rt 13, turn east at T's Corner stop light onto Chincoteague Rd/ VA-175
  • Follow Rt 175 across causeway and bridges to Chincoteague Island
  • Turn right at the stop light onto Main Street, heading south
  • Park is approximately .5 mile on the right. Parking lot entrance is at Don's Seafood.

Museum of Chincoteague Island

7125 Maddox Blvd, Chincoteague Island, VA
Directions:

  • From Rt 13, turn east at T's Corner stop light onto Chincoteague Rd/ VA-175
  • Follow Rt 175 across causeway and bridges to Chincoteague Island
  • Continue straight at light onto Maddox Blvd.
  • Follow Maddox through the Traffic Circle and continue straight
  • The Museum is the last building on the left just before the bridge to Assateague Island.

Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island

8231 Beach Road, Chincoteague Island, VA
Directions:

  • From Rt 13, turn east at T's Corner stop light onto Chincoteague Rd/ VA-175
  • Follow Rt. 175 across causeway and bridges to Chincoteague Island.
  • Continue straight at the light onto Maddox Blvd.
  • Follow Maddox through the Traffic Circle and follow signs to Assateague.
  • Maddox Blvd becomes Beach Road.
  • To view launches from the beach, stand with your back to the ocean and look towards 10:00.
  • NOTE:
    • Antares Rocket Launches – 8/1/2023 launch - South OSV & hook will be closed. Remainder of Refuge will remain open for normal operating hours. 
    • Sounding Rocket Launches – South OSV zone (the beach south of the parking areas) will completely close to all access 4 hours prior to the launch. South OSV zone will reopen following launch or when launch is scrubbed.

Assateague Island National Seashore, VA

Assateague Island, VA
Directions:

  • From Rt 13, turn east at T's Corner stop light onto Chincoteague Rd/ VA-175
  • Follow Rt. 175 across causeway and bridges to Chincoteague Island.
  • Continue straight at the light onto Maddox Blvd.
  • Follow Maddox through the Traffic Circle and follow signs to Assateague.
  • Maddox Blvd becomes Beach Road.
  • Follow Beach Road to Assateague Island National Seashore.
  • To view launches from the beach, stand with your back to the ocean and look towards 10:00.
  • NOTE:
    • Antares Rocket Launches – 8/1/2023 launch - South OSV & hook will be closed. Remainder of Refuge will remain open for normal operating hours. 
    • Sounding Rocket Launches – South OSV zone (the beach south of the parking areas) will completely close to all access 4 hours prior to the launch. South OSV zone will reopen following launch or when launch is scrubbed.

Please Note: Some viewing locations may be off limits for some launches as determined by NASA for safety reasons. The most up to date information on all launches can be found on the NASA Wallops Flight Facility website.

The NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center Has Prepared A Launch Viewing Checklist To Make Your Experience Most Enjoyable:

1. Check the NASA Wallops Flight Facility social media and website for updates before leaving your home or hotel

2. Plan to arrive when the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center gates open (times vary per launch)

3. Pack snacks and beverages to enjoy while you wait, but leave coolers or oversized bags in your vehicle

4. Wear comfortable clothing, bring camp chairs or blankets (for seating when the bleachers fill), flashlights, sunscreen, and insect repellent

5. Leave pets at home. Pets are not allowed on the visitor center grounds during launch events (not even in your vehicle).

6. Identify a backup viewing location in the event that the Wallops Visitor Center parking lot is full (see list above)

7. Be flexible, launches can shift at any time, but they are worth the wait!