Starbase Watch · September 29, 2026 · Flight 14 recap
Booster 21 and Ship 41 each lost an engine on the way up on Monday. SpaceX still reached orbit, deployed all 26 Starlink V3 satellites and brought the ship home early. Next up, per NASASpaceflight: a first try at catching a Block 3 booster.
Flight 14 recap
Photo: NASA
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Every launch pulls thousands of visitors into Cameron County, and most of them find out too late that the beach and highway close, or that the best views aren't where they parked. Viewing spots, closure calendars, timing, and what to bring.
Launch viewing guide →Hotels in Brownsville, beachfront on South Padre Island, and RV sites minutes from the launch corridor. What each option is good for, and how launch weeks change the math.
Lodging guide →The overwhelming majority of people working at Starbase have to find their own housing. If that's you, or you're coming for the port, the LNG projects, or the growth itself, start with the honest version of the housing market.
Relocation guide →Starbase Watch
The booster and the ship each lost an engine on the way up. SpaceX still reached orbit, deployed all 26 Starlinks and splashed down about 3 hours after liftoff.
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First orbital insertion at 8:15 a.m., payload deployed by 8:54, contact with all 26 satellites by 8:57. SpaceX confirmed splashdown in the Pacific at 10:58 a.m.
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Every pre-launch box is checked and re-checked at the source. Window 7:15 to 8:30 AM, closures 4:00 to 10:00, webcast about 30 minutes before liftoff, and five ranked viewing spots in the guide.
Read the item →Housing help
Housing inquiries on this site are handled by Schrank Property Management, our own operation. Moving in for Starbase, the port, or the LNG projects? Tell us what you need and when you land (long-term rental, monthly RV site, or not sure yet) and a human replies with real availability.