OCEAN CITY — With a major rocket launch from NASA’s nearby Wallops Island Flight Center set for later this month, residents and visitors will have a front row seat for what should be quite a spectacle.
On Sunday, a Terrier-Lynx suborbital rocket was successfully launched from Wallops on the Virginia shore just south of Assateague, but the mid-day launch went largely unnoticed for most aside from a few of the staunchest fans. However, the launch of a major Antares rocket carrying needed supplies to the International Space Station next week will likely capture the attention of viewers across the Lower Shore.
The Antares rocket is tentatively scheduled to go up next Friday, October 24, at 7:52 p.m. The Antares measures about 131 feet tall, or the equivalent of a 13-story building, and depending on a variety of factors will likely be seen from the Carolinas to New England. Because it’s a night launch, the size and intensity of the viewing area is expected to be enhanced.
While the Antares launch will likely be seen across much of the eastern half of the U.S., residents and visitors to the resort area and the Lower Shore will perhaps have the best seats in the house. From Wallops itself to Assateague to Ocean City, thousands will likely view the launch. It’s a tourism promotion opportunity not lost on Ocean City and county officials, who in recent months have formed a partnership with Wallops to explore ways to take advantage of the Antares launch and other launches from the flight facility on the Eastern Shore.
For example, local tourism officials are promoting the Lower Shore as a prime viewing spot for the launch activities at Wallops. During an Ocean City Economic Development Committee meeting earlier this month, Wallops Island Public Affairs Specialist Rebecca Hudson told resort business leaders the increased launch activity at Wallops means big business for Ocean City and the entire Lower Shore, from hotel stays and restaurant visits to shopping and other associated expenditures. In addition, NASA’s expanded presence at Wallops has created sustainable, high-paying jobs and the development of associated private sector businesses to support the flight facility’s operations. Hudson said a recent study estimated the economic impact of Wallops on the local economy at around $396 million.
Since the disbandment of the Space Shuttle program, Wallops has become a centerpiece of sorts for NASA’s space program. Local governments and the business community are keenly aware of the potential opportunities and are nurturing the relationship.
For example, the town of Ocean City has already marketed the Inlet area and the south end of the Boardwalk as a major destination to view launches. In addition, a Stephen Decatur High School senior has developed a special box at the Inlet that allows viewers to see a countdown clock in real time along with other information about the rockets and their missions. Hudson told resort business leaders earlier this month the partnership is achieving the desired results.
“We have a great relationship with Ocean City,” she said. “I think it’s really working. People are coming to Ocean City because they can see these remarkable launches from here. Tons of people are calling us and asking of the launches are visible from here.”
Hudson said the partnership is helping all of the shareholders. For example, Ocean City is benefitting because this particular Antares launch next week comes at a time of the year when the season has wound down and there is not much else going on the resort area. Of course, launches are held throughout the year including the height of the summer, and while a mid-summer launch might not add many additional visitors to the resort, it does provide an added, free amenity for those already here.