Rocket Launch from NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visible from East Coast
If you’re outside Tuesday night, keep your eye on the sky. You might catch a glimpse of a rocket blasting off from the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in eastern Virginia.
NASA officials say if skies are clear, people as far away as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York may be able to see the 139-foot-tall Antares rocket during the first few minutes it lifts up into the atmosphere. In New Jersey, skywatchers should look towards the southwestern area of the sky, and binoculars will help.
The rocket is scheduled to lift off at 8:31 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
“This will be Northrop Grumman’s 19th commercial resupply services mission for NASA, delivering science investigations, supplies and equipment to the International Space Station,” NASA said in a news release announcing the launch.
“Viewing locations on Chincoteague Island include Robert Reed Park on Main Street or Beach Road spanning the area between Chincoteague and Assateague Islands,” NASA said. “The Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Atlantic beaches also provide good viewing locations.”
The NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center will be open from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for people who want an up-close view of the launch. “Visitors interested in viewing the launch from the Visitor Center are encouraged to carpool as parking is limited,” NASA said.
For people too far away from the East Coast, NASA said the launch will be live-streamed on NASA Television and the space agency’s website, as well as YouTube, Twitter, and the NASA’s App, with live launch coverage and countdown commentary scheduled to start at 8 p.m. Tuesday.
“Members of the public outside of the viewing area can register to attend the launch virtually,” NASA said.
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Len Melisurgo may be reached at [email protected].