Seeking advice and suggestions on where to photograph Starship from

[pedz]

I've rented a house in Brownsville for the first two weeks of March with the assumption that there will be a launch during that time.  I realize that no schedule has been finalized (at least the last time I checked).

I am not familiar with the area and I've been looking via Google maps and an app called Gaia (or gaiagps) which has topo maps.  I see a lot of possible places but I have no idea what will be open during the launch, where the crowds will be, what visual obstacles to avoid, etc.

And, I also realize that this may not be a topic that this site wants to discuss publicly for various reasons.

I will be down there a few days before any possible launch so I will be able to get a general feel for the area but what I don't know is what is open and blocked off during launch days.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

[philw1776]

I am going to generalize your topic. I'm on FL West coast just North of Sarasota in the winter. Given the SouthEast track for Starship launches has anyone calculated launch visibility (azimuth, etc.) from various West coast FL venues?

[Nomadd]

I've rented a house in Brownsville for the first two weeks of March with the assumption that there will be a launch during that time.  I realize that no schedule has been finalized (at least the last time I checked).

I am not familiar with the area and I've been looking via Google maps and an app called Gaia (or gaiagps) which has topo maps.  I see a lot of possible places but I have no idea what will be open during the launch, where the crowds will be, what visual obstacles to avoid, etc.

And, I also realize that this may not be a topic that this site wants to discuss publicly for various reasons.

I will be down there a few days before any possible launch so I will be able to get a general feel for the area but what I don't know is what is open and blocked off during launch days.

Any pointers would be appreciated.

They block the road to people with no business out there at the edge of town, so most people wind up in Isla Blanca park on South Padre. There are a few entrepreneurial types along the river at Tarpon Bend that let you stay for a fee, but the new rules are still a little fuzzy.
 You could also go to Playa Bagdad and drive up the beach if you don't mind travelling through cartel country.

[MoodyBlues]

you'll be closer and have better views on SPI than anywhere on rt 4 once they close the road. and also access to restrooms and food. lots of options along channel view rd near the Fisherman Statue...

[pedz]

Mostly just curious, I doubt I will do this.  Are there boats that sit off shore and watch the launch?  Does SpaceX or NASA give a prescribed safe distance?

[Boost]

They block the road to people with no business out there at the edge of town, so most people wind up in Isla Blanca park on South Padre. There are a few entrepreneurial types along the river at Tarpon Bend that let you stay for a fee, but the new rules are still a little fuzzy.
 You could also go to Playa Bagdad and drive up the beach if you don't mind travelling through cartel country.

Is this still a thing to park on the side of Tarpon Bend drive, or even at the enlarged road at this end ? Many campground-like lots have opened there, where you can watch a launch for ~$200, but will anyone kick you out if you just drive and park next to the road ?
And can you confirm the road closer is after Richardson avenue when coming from Brownsville, so you can get there without authorization ?

[GmP]

They block the road to people with no business out there at the edge of town, so most people wind up in Isla Blanca park on South Padre. There are a few entrepreneurial types along the river at Tarpon Bend that let you stay for a fee, but the new rules are still a little fuzzy.
 You could also go to Playa Bagdad and drive up the beach if you don't mind travelling through cartel country.

Is this still a thing to park on the side of Tarpon Bend drive, or even at the enlarged road at this end ? Many campground-like lots have opened there, where you can watch a launch for ~$200, but will anyone kick you out if you just drive and park next to the road ?
And can you confirm the road closer is after Richardson avenue when coming from Brownsville, so you can get there without authorization ?

From my experience at flight 10, in August this year.

I stayed at Raptor-roost, one of those “campground” lots for a fee, on Richardson. From what I saw there were two more such places.

Hw4 get closed way before you reach Richardson, but there is a second roadblock at Richardson.

From observation it seems to be OK to arrive at Richardson before the road closes and just park on the side of the road. I saw at least two cars do that, and didn’t see that they got bothered by officers. Both cars I saw did it a little away from hwy4, but they were noticeable.

If you have “proof” you go to one of these “campgrounds” they will let you pass the first roadblock, but not the second at Richardson. I did not do that, but there were a few other camping guests at Raptor-roost who came in in the afternoon, with no issues. Raptor-roost gives a nice badge and lanyard to show you are a guest.

My 2-cents: I thought it was worth the $200 fee for Raptor-roost. The wait till launch is long if you are just parked on the road side. Raptor-roost has porta potties, provided drinks and food, we did some boat rides on the Rio Grande, and just nice talks with other SpaceX enthousiasts.
The flight 10 took three days to launch, so I went there all three days (just for the one time $200 fee), and found it a very enjoyable way to “wait”. Also your car is parked safe at their lot for when you walk up/down Richardson.