When you think of Chincoteague Island, you probably think of beautiful Wild Ponies, miles of pristine, undeveloped beaches, and perhaps even our famous Chincoteague Oysters. But, do you think about Rocket Launches and Space Expeditions? Get ready for your curiosity to take off!
To The Moon and Beyond!
We can’t begin to tell you what Wallops means to our quaint, little fishing village. Wallops Flight Facility is NASA’s only owned and operated launch range – a rocket launch site on Wallops Island, mere steps from Chincoteague Island. Operated by the Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, it primarily serves to support science and exploration missions for NASA, as well as other Federal agencies.
Probably the most famous of these rockets is Northrop Grumman’s Antares rocket. This two-stage rocket, with an optional third stage that provides low-Earth orbit launch capability for payloads weighing up to 8,000 kg, is primarily used to support the company’s Commercial Resupply Services contract with NASA. We feel incredibly lucky to be a part of this – and now you can be, as well!
Grab the kids, hot chocolate, and fuzzy blankets to watch the launch of Northrop Grumman’s Antares latest mission at 12:36 PM EST, Saturday, February 20th, from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA Wallop’s Island. Weather permitting, you should be able to see the launch throughout the mid-Atlantic region and possibly the entire East Coast of the United States! It isn’t very often these exciting launches fall during “normal” hours – many times we’ve been up at 3 A.M. trying to witness history, so this midday launch is quite a treat – don’t miss this opportunity!
Chincoteague and Assateague are ideally located to give you absolutely stunning views of the Antares launch – talk about a front row seat! The best seats in the house include Robert Reed Waterfront Park on Main Street (right behind our Seaside Vacations’ office!), or the Beach Road spanning the area between Chincoteague and Assateague Island. The beach/wildlife refuge are not open during the launch, but fret not, these other locations have stunning views of the Antares launch! This will be Northrop Grumman’s 15th commercial resupply services mission to deliver NASA science investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station.
Chincoteague Island Exploration
And why not take advantage of virtual schooling and tele-communiting, and come on down for a few days!? We have many fabulous Vacation Homes still available – no need to miss a beat with work or school, but you CAN do it at the beach – and trust us, it’s ALWAYS better at the beach! Many restaurants are not only open, but are offering awesome off-season specials, and free delivery! Hike the Wildlife Loop at the Refuge, search for Snowy Owls and Snow Geese on the beach, and just enjoy the peace and serenity of off-season on Chincoteague Island – it truly is a beautiful thing!
Need help planning this adventure? We’re here – we LOVE what we do and where we live! Call us anytime at 757.336.7070, or peruse our selection of gorgeous Chincoteague rentals online – and remember, no need to leave Fido behind with our great selection of pet friendly rentals…See you at the beach!
