Author Topic: Seeking advice and suggestions on where to photograph Starship from (Read 1805 times)

pedz · « **on:** 02/11/2023 02:06 pm »

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 · « **Reply #1 on:** 02/13/2023 02:10 pm »

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 · « **Reply #2 on:** 02/13/2023 03:54 pm »

Quote from: pedz on 02/11/2023 02:06 pm

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 · « **Reply #3 on:** 02/13/2023 04:33 pm »

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 · « **Reply #4 on:** 02/14/2023 04:04 pm »

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?