The NASA Wallops Island installation from which rockets are launched is due east from our neighborhood, across the Chesapeake Bay on the Virginia-Maryland-Delaware Eastern Shore. When a rocket is launched from Wallops Island, the launch is clearly visible from our neighborhood — best viewing location is on the deck over the Potomac River in the picnic area.
Here is a tentative schedule of launches from Wallops Island.
Mission: RockOn! (RockOn! and RockSat-C student missions)
Vehicle: Terrier Improved Orion sounding rocket
Date: June 20, 2024
Time: Morning, TBA
Location: Wallops Island, Virginia
Visitor Center Viewing Area: Open, time TBA
Livestream: Link to be provided
Mission: RockSat-X
Vehicle: Terrier-Improved Malemute sounding rocket
Date: No earlier than August 13, 2024
Time: TBA
Location: Wallops Island, Virginia
Visitor Center Viewing Area: Open, time TBA
Livestream: Link to be provided
Here is a link to the Wallops Island schedule website — notice that this site also lists launches NOT FROM WALLOPS ISLAND — be careful — look at the LOCATION listed for each launch. Also note that each launch is LIVESTREAMED — take a smartphone with you, connect to the Internet through cell service, and watch the livestream, which includes countdown, etc.
Here is a link to the video of a launch on January 24, 2023, made by one of our neighbors.