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Admire Starship from SpaceX | Our Starbase visit in Boca Chica, Texas

As I write this, in Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, the latest version of the space rocket Starship is rolling out the factory hall towards the launch pad. This is the long-awaited and gigantic rocket that Elon Musk's SpaceX wants to travel to the moon and the planet Mars with. It is the largest and most powerful rocket ever built and Texas is now preparing for its historic first launch. This launch is now scheduled for April 10 or 11, 2023, and the intention is to put Starship in orbit for the first time.

I was recently at the Starbase complex and experienced everything up close. I spent four days with Malou on the beach of Boca Chica at SpaceX. Here we camped a stone's throw from the Starship while work was done on it day and night. In retrospect, this was one of the highlights of our trip through America. On the one hand, of course, because the Starship cannot be seen anywhere else in the world and on the other hand, because we were able to get so close – without fences or other restrictions. In the 'Rocket Garden' you can even touch the rockets.

In the evening we could clearly see the welding and grinding work on the launch tower (see sparks)
In the evening we could clearly see the welding and grinding work on the launch tower (see sparks)

In this article I would like to tell you more about our visit to Starbase. The space rocket complex of SpaceX is free to visit and for now you can get incredibly close to the rockets. As you can see in the photo above, you can even wild camp on the beach for free, right next to the rocket without any fences in between! A bizarre and unique experience that will surely come to an end soon for safety reasons. As far as I'm concerned, the photos in this article are already going down in the history books: a Dutch camper next to the very first Starship that will actually be launched into space. No one can take away from us anymore!

Live stream of the launch of SpaceX's Starship Superheavy

UPDATE September 20, 2023: SpaceX has through her official channels let us know that the 2nd launch of Starship is only a matter of time. The rocket is ready, but the FAA (government agency) still has to approve the launch and a date must be set. This could be a matter of days or weeks. When the new launch date is known, we will add it below including the new livestream.

Tip:: Did you miss the first test launch? Don't worry, the livestream of the first launch (with explosion) can be seen below in 4k quality.


The ultimate tour of North America

This article is part of a large one-year tour the United States en Canada, with a Dutch 4×4 camper that we shipped ourselves… It is a bucket list worthy and an once in a lifetime experience that will never be forgotten.

The ultimate roadtrip route through America and Canada | Wereldreizigers.nl
The ultimate roadtrip route through America and Canada | Wereldreizigers.nl

We wrote almost 100 articles about this ultimate tour. Visit our North America page for more information.


About Starbase

Starbase is Elon Musk's SpaceX's new rocket base in Boca Chica, Texas. The complex is still under development. We work day and night on only one goal: Developing, building and launching the new Starship, the largest and most powerful space rocket ever built by mankind. The rocket that will take humanity to Mars. In case you are not fully aware: SpaceX published an animation video in early 2022 that shows you exactly what the journey to Mars will look like. They are grand plans that seem to come out of a Science fiction movie, but they are actually building this already. Science does indeed become reality in this case. You can watch the video below.

So it's not just rockets that are built here. History is being written here. Whereas NASA has only used space rockets once since the 50s before dropping them into the ocean, Elon Musk is working with SpaceX to develop a Starship that can land autonomously and be reused. This technology did not exist until recently – only SpaceX has managed to do this yet. Meanwhile, the Falcon 9 booster, another smaller rocket from SpaceX, has already performed more than 150 successful launches + landings. Malou and I have two of these Falcon 9 / SpaceX rocket launches seen in Florida, which was an amazing, indescribable experience. With this Falcon 9, thousands of satellites for internet and communication have already been placed in orbit around the earth. A huge achievement that not even NASA can match.

But the Falcon 9, which is now launched almost twice a week, still relies in a sense on old-fashioned rocket technology and rocket fuel. It is also too small and not powerful enough. Much more power and efficiency is required for the moon and Mars missions and SpaceX has developed new engines and rockets for this. Those new rockets, the Starships, can only be admired here in Boca Chica Texas for the time being.

The Evolution of Starship (Video with Explosions!)

The gigantic 110-meter Starship is now ready for launch on April 10 or 11, 2023. This will definitely be world news. It seems like the most normal thing in the world, but realize how fast development is going at SpaceX. The first prototype, the Starhopper, only flew and landed for the first time in 2019. The first fully-fledged Starship did not arrive until 2021 and its first 'bellyflop' landing was also successful for the first time ever later that year.

In the video below you can see what went right and wrong with the previous prototypes. They are really bizarre images, especially those of the bellyflop landings of the SN8, SN9 and SN10. So I can't wait for April 10 or 11. I will definitely be following this launch live via the official channel of SpaceX.

What are Starbase's opening hours?

Although more and more people are finding their way to the complex due to great worldwide interest in the Mars project, Starbase is in principle not a tourist attraction. Starbase therefore has no opening hours. You can therefore not attend any tours (yet) and there is little to see except for the gigantic rockets, the associated beach and the large factory halls. You can admire the rockets and the work that is being done day and night. There is also plenty of work at night and you can follow everything in detail because you can get so incredibly close.

One large booster and three Starships that have already been tested and flown briefly
One large booster and three Starships that have already been tested and flown briefly

What is the location of Starbase?

The SpaceX Starbase complex is located on the beach in Boca Chica, at the southernmost tip of the state of Texas in the United States. The complex is steps away from the beach and border with Mexico. You can view the exact location of Starbase on Google Maps via this link. Save it for later I say.

Zoomed in on the heat shields of the tested Starships
Zoomed in on the heat shields of the tested Starships

How do you get to Starbase?

Airplane and airline tickets

You probably don't fly to south Texas just for Starbase to see the Starships, unless you're a real fan and want to experience a rocket launch live, for example. The most obvious is that you are making a tour of America, in Texas, or visiting one of the cities in Texas. Houston, Austin and San Antonio are approximately 5 to 6 hours away from Starbase. From Amsterdam you can search outside the high season and a bit well this page from Skyscanner, for 500 euros return flights to these cities.

Also read: Skyscanner | How to save (a lot of) money on flights

Rental car & access roads

Have you arranged your plane tickets, or are you already in Texas? Then, unless you drive your own vehicle, it is still a matter of concern rent a car so you can drive to Starbase. Starbase has only one entryway. From the town of Brownsville you drive via road number 4, also known as Boca Chica Blvd, toward SpaceX's space rocket station.

Note: you always drive past a customs checkpoint on this road. You will be asked a number of questions, ask for your passport and VISA and possibly check your car for customs purposes. Also keep in mind that you find yourself a stone's throw from the Mexican border. Controls can therefore be very strict. The customs post may also provide information about upcoming tests and launches at Starbase so that you can leave the area in time.

Are there hotels near Starbase?

The special thing about Starbase is that it hasn't been around that long (under construction since 2019) and is still partly under construction. There is hardly any infrastructure. There are not (yet) any hotels in the area that really focus on the arrival of SpaceX. It's all still in its infancy. It is therefore absolutely not comparable to it Kennedy Space Center in Florida, which is almost as much an amusement park as it is a missile base these days.

The cheap hotels

In Brownsville (about a 30 minute drive from Starbase) there are a few hotels. The closest (as seen from Starbase) are the Quality Inn en Americas Best Value Inn. These are both very simple 2 star hotels where you can go for about 60 euros per night.

The better hotels

If you are looking for something more luxurious, you can go to just outside the center of Brownsville Hampton Inn and Suites, Courtyard by Marriott en Residence Inn by Marriott. These are all 3 star hotels with a rating of 8,5 or more on Booking.com. Rooms in these hotels cost about 150 euros per night during the week and 200 euros at the weekend. Sometimes you can go for less with an offer.

The perfect hotels for launches

Are you planning to actually attend a Starship launch, then the tip of South Padre Island the best place to look for a hotel. Starbase and Boca Chica Beach are always hermetically sealed during tests and launches, so you have to leave the area. As the crow flies, you're up Isla Blanca Beach (Location here), in the south of South Padré Island, then closest to the rocket launch. Experience shows that you will not be the only one who comes to see this. Thousands of people gather on the beach with pickup trucks, filled coolers and barbecues when static-fire tests are planned, let alone a full, historic launch.

And because rocket launches can often be unexpectedly postponed, it's nice to be in a hotel that you can reach on foot from Isla Blanca Beach. Your best options are then Sea Vista Apartments, Holiday Inn Resort en La Isla South Padre Residences.

Can you (wild) camp at Starbase?

Yes that is allowed! Boca Chica Beach is public and falls under the nature reserves in Texas. So you can camp here freely and for free on the beach. Provided no tests or launches are planned, of course, because then the area will be completely closed off. However, it is absolutely advisable to only do this if you have a 4×4. The beach is made of superfine sand that your car or camper can easily sink into.

Camping on the beach | Boca Chica Beach
Camping on the beach | Boca Chica Beach
Camping on the beach | Boca Chica Beach
Camping on the beach | Boca Chica Beach

Therefore, make sure you have a car that is capable enough to drive in loose sand. Good tires (e.g. the BFGoodrich Ko2 All-Terrain), of course also help. Don't forget to activate your 4×4 and deflate your tires a bit before you hit the beach. This is so that you have more grip in the loose sand and you sink less quickly.

Make sure you have good tires if you are going to drive on the beach
Make sure you have good tires if you are going to drive on the beach
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What to see and do at Starbase

Starbase Sign

The already world-famous Starbase logo (location here), is depicted on a large scale on the wall behind which the factories are located and where you immediately see all the Starships. This is pretty much the first thing you see when you drive up to the SpaceX complex. Many people come here to take a picture, you are probably not the only one who comes to have a look. Please note that it is on a public road. Often I saw people standing in the middle of the road for a photo. This sometimes led to dangerous situations.

Starbase logo with rockets in the background
Starbase logo with rockets in the background

Starships in the Rocket garden

When you have driven a short distance past the Starbase logo, you can turn left to the rocket garden (Location here). This road is a dead end, but at the end there are several Starships without a booster that have already performed short test flights. It feels a bit strange to drive into this road because a lot of heavy equipment and large cranes are used here. So make sure you don't get in the way.

Starships in the Rocket Garden
Starships in the Rocket Garden

Tip:: Curious about what I shoot with? Then view the display below.

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As I write this article, I still find it difficult to comprehend. That we ourselves and our Dutch World Travelers camper have stood there right in front of those Starships, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. As you can see when we arrived it was a dark, drizzly day towards sunset. However, this resulted in unique, high-contrast images.

Starships in the Rocket Garden
Starships in the Rocket Garden

Tip:: I can't imagine that it will be very long before they close this road for good. So make use of it while you can!

Residential complex SpaceX employees

You can also see where the SpaceX employees temporarily live when you are at the rocket garden. These are employees who are flown in from all over America to work here for weeks at a time. That is why a complete campsite with large caravans has been set up, right next to the used rockets from the rocket garden. There is also a large common room, a restaurant and a bar. Tourists are not welcome here - that is clearly indicated and there is security to keep an eye on this.

Residential complex SpaceX employees
Residential complex SpaceX employees

Starbase Production Site

De Starbase Production Site (Location here) is in fact the factory where the Starships are built. The site often consists of immense halls on a kind of industrial estate. Everything is well shielded, you can't just get close to it and that makes sense.

Starbase Production Site
Starbase Production Site

What is really cool to see is when they take a Starship or Booster to and from the launch pad for testing. They simply transport the gigantic rockets on public roads on a large steerable platform with up to 80 wheels underneath. Because there are cars and people so close during the transport, you really see how gigantic these rockets are.

starhopper

When you then continue to the beach and/or the launch pad, you can stop at the starhopper. You would just drive past it because the Starhopper doesn't really look like a rocket. starhopper was SpaceX's first successful test flight with the SpaceX Raptor engines. The now-damaged vehicle is simply parked behind the wall, shown in the photo below (the bulbous thing at the far left).

starhopper
starhopper

Orbital Launch Pad 1 | Fully Stacked Starship

This is of course what you come for. Orbital launch pad 1 is the launchpad where hopefully during your visit a fully stacked Starship (so Starship+Booster underneath), can be seen. The photo below was taken from the beach. You can see here, among other things, a fully stacked Starship with booster on the launch pad. On the left is another Starship and the small Starhopper, just to the right of the launch pad. Due to the immensely large rocket of 110 meters, the starhopper is hardly noticeable.

Star Ship | Orbital launch pad 1
Star Ship | Orbital launch pad 1

Orbital launch pad 1 is actually a large tower crane that can 'stack' the Starships. That is, it contains some kind of crane (the two arms that wrap around the Starship, the upper part of the rocket). These arms can lift Starships and place them on the boosters. This process happens regularly and with a bit of luck you can see live how this works. Below you can see a zoomed-in photo of it, just after stacking.

Star Ship | Orbital launch pad 1
Star Ship | Orbital launch pad 1

Tip:: Curious about what I shoot with? Then view the display below.

The ultimate world travel camera
Fujifilm X-T5 Silver + 16-80mm
5.0

The Fujifilm X-T5 with 16-80 is the ultimate all-round world travel camera† This camera has been declared several times by both the consumer association and Tweakers.net the best system camera you can buy.

Even on the automatic mode you suddenly feel like a professional photographer! You can effortlessly shoot the most beautiful photos, and thanks to the versatile zoom range of the 16-80 lens, you can easily get closer to the action anywhere in the world.

Pros:
  • The best tested camera
  • Fantastic photos
  • 6.2K video
  • IBIS image stabilization
  • 5 year warranty
View prices Our review
Want to support us? We earn a small commission if you make a purchase via our link(s), at no additional cost to you. Win win!

Also read: What is the best camera for a world tour? And why?
Also read: Why you should NOT take pictures with your smartphone during a world trip

Boca Chica Beach

Boca Chica Beach (Location here), is just a beach like any other during the day. Day-trippers come to swim and to take walks on the beach. What makes this beach unique is that you have a great view of the Starships and that you can wild camp for free.

Chris and Malou for the World Travelers camper at Starbase
Chris and Malou with the World Travelers camper on Bica Chica Beach at Starbase
Our wild camping spot at Starbase, on the beach of Boca Chica
Our wild camping spot at Starbase, on the beach of Boca Chica

You are here in a warm, humid and tropical area close to the Mexican border. The humidity of the sea and the dusty dryness of the nearby Texas desert ensures that you can experience the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets. We literally saw all the colors of the rainbow in the days we were here. Every morning and evening it was pure enjoyment again.

Chris on the World Travelers campervan at Starbase
Chris just after sunset on the World Travelers camper at Starbase

Wildlife spotting at Boca Chica Beach

In addition to immense rockets and the beautiful beach, there is more to see at Boca Chica Beach. We saw many beautiful birds, including large groups of pelicans that regularly flew over. We also occasionally spotted dolphins, right in front of our (camper) door.

starbase spacex boca chica texas 25 | starship | Wereldreizigers.nl
Boca Chica Beach and a row of Pelicans just before sunrise
starbase spacex boca chica texas 32 | starship | Wereldreizigers.nl
Pelicans flying over Boca Chica Beach
starbase spacex boca chica texas 29 | starship | Wereldreizigers.nl
Dolphins at Boca Chica Beach

We also saw Coyotes, but mostly heard them. Especially on the nights we camped here, we heard packs of Coyotes howling like wolves. They often came very close to the camper from the dunes, of which we saw the tracks every time in the mornings. So don't leave any food scraps outside!

Tracks of Coyotes
Tracks of Coyotes

Meet YouTubers and streamers

Did you know next to the official SpaceX YouTube channel, there are several cameras on Starbase and the launch pad 24/7? There are dozens of YouTube channels that report 24 hours a day on what is happening here. Many of them have hundreds of thousands or millions of online followers. Starbase Live en LabPadre broadcast live images 24/7. Everyday Astronaut, Marcus House en ALPHA TECH are popular channels of influencers to follow if you want to stay up to date with the latest news.

The YouTubers are regularly camped here on the beach, just like us. They often have cameras on the roof of their vehicle that are focused non-stop on the complex. Especially around sunset you see a lot of activity for the best photos and video images. On the side of the launch pad along the road where you can drive onto the beach, the 'influencers' have put up a sign where they often gather over a drink at sunset.

starbase spacex boca chica texas 21 | starship | Wereldreizigers.nl
Admire Starship from SpaceX | Our Starbase visit in Boca Chica, Texas 35
starbase spacex boca chica texas 22 | starship | Wereldreizigers.nl
Admire Starship from SpaceX | Our Starbase visit in Boca Chica, Texas 36

The YouTube and Twitter influencers are very accessible and are happy to tell you about what they do and what the latest developments are around the Starship and of course SpaceX in general. They also often go to the beach in groups during the day, with garbage bags in hand, to clean up the beach. A lot of rubbish washes up here from the sea, which is fortunately cleaned up regularly by these volunteers. Malou and I also helped for an afternoon.

Conclusion

Whether you are interested in technology, space and rockets or not, Starbase in Boca Chica Texas is definitely a unique place to visit. Nowhere else in the world is construction underway on perhaps the most extreme project humanity has ever undertaken. As humanity we will go back to the moon and if it is up to Elon Musk's SpaceX, even to Mars. Here you can literally see history being made from just a stone's throw away.

starbase spacex boca chica texas 12 | starship | Wereldreizigers.nl
Admire Starship from SpaceX | Our Starbase visit in Boca Chica, Texas 37

A few years ago it was still a joke. Is that crazy Elon Musk really going to do it? The answer is a resounding 'YES' and only here can you see how the Starships are developed. Nowhere else in the world. With a bit of luck you might even see a launch here. The rocket you see in the background below exploded into thousands of pieces during its first test launch on April 20, 2023.

Dutch World Travelers camper at the Starship in Starbase, Boca Chica, Texas
Dutch World Travelers camper at the Starship in Starbase, Boca Chica, Texas

That we do this with our Dutch World Travelers camper I can hardly imagine having experienced it up close. We have made ourselves a small part of this piece of history.

Anyone who wants to visit the complex should do so as soon as possible. It is almost inevitable that they will make changes due to the enormous increase in visitors and safety. So if you are also planning to take a photo near the rockets with a Dutch license plate, you better hurry.

Until the next blog!

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Chris

Owner of Wereldreizigers.nl † Discover the world!
- Full-time blogging world traveler.
- Writes about travel, photography, sustainability and gadgets.
- Likes to discover extreme and unknown places.

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