Boca Chica There has never been a more exciting time in space exploration and never more opportunities to have a front row seat to rocket history being made. Space enthusiasts flock to Houston and visit the Johnson Space Center. Others travel to Florida to explore the Kennedy Space Center, and now people can travel to South Padre Island to view launches as SpaceX continues to test some of the most advanced rockets for everything from near orbital satellite deployments to the rockets that will carry people to Mars. Thanks to the SpaceX Boca Chica launch site being located just across the bay from South Padre Island, the Island has seen an increase in visitors who are space tourists and are coming to witness the launches in person. Space junkies can be seen lining the southern part of South Padre Island and the jetties from Isla Blanca Park on scheduled launch days. “We are seeing visitors coming and staying for a week during
projected launch windows,” said Ed Caum, Convention and Visitors Bureau Director. “There are plenty of things to see besides the launch. Even viewing SpaceX assemble, and test fire the rockets is fascinating!” This can be done as people enjoy Texas’ only tropical island. South Padre Island has the same vibe that is not too far from the feeling visitors get when they are in the Florida Keys. “Located on the same latitude as Naples and Fort Lauderdale, South Padre Island is quickly becoming the Texas Space Coast,” said Caum. “People are finding the Island for the first time because of the publicity SpaceX has been given.” If you want to catch a glimpse of the future of space travel just head on down to the Texas Space Coast on South Padre Island. What better place to combine your love for all things space with well-deserved Island time. For more information visit www. sopadre.com/SpaceX `
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