South Padre Island set to be full for SpaceX Starship SN8 test launch

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SOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – The shores of Isla Blanca Park are expected to be the place where hundreds of space enthusiasts and islanders will come to witness a water launch test at SpaceX Starship facilities in Boca Chica, TX .

With the imminent launch of the Starship SN8, South Padre Island has found many more tourists on the streets. The view of SpaceX’s launch facility a few miles across the water.

“Everyone wants this to happen,” said James Baxter, a Houston native and transplant recipient from South Padre Island.

Tourists like Eric and Tammy Patton traveled from Maryland and stayed for days hoping to catch the SN8 prototype fly.

“When we heard about SpaceX and this awesome dude, Elon Musk, we absolutely loved it! He said to himself: “I will detonate a rocket in three years” It took 1 year! “Said Eric Patton.

“We were in California when [SpaceX] did the last one, ”Tammy Patton said. “We were watching and I was crying. I was so excited! ”

They are not thinking of leaving South Padre Island.

“We have had a place now for 30 days, and we are looking for an apartment,” said Eric Patton.

Local businesses and businesses miles away have seen an increase in activity since SpaceX moved to town.

“Even in Brownsville, the surrounding area… the hotels… a lot of them are occupied by SpaceX employees,” Baxter said.

Baxter is a Space City native who is now building a life near a budding spaceport.

“I grew up in Houston,” Baxter said. “We hear and feel the roar every time the engine starts!”

Anna Lyson works at a local store on Padre Boulevard called Calypso.

“People were saying it’s only for retirees,” Lyson said. “I don’t think that’s the case anymore. There are many younger generations taking root here to be a part of it.

She is particularly affected by SpaceX.

“I’m very proud to say that my husband works for SpaceX, my husband works for SpaceX, and we actually moved from the Pennsylvania area to SPI to be a part of this great story in the making,” Lyson said.

She said she saw this as a good thing for business and community development, but said not everyone agreed.

“There are people who weren’t too happy with SpaceX coming in, but at the same time, there are just as many very excited people,” Lyson said.

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