Falcon 9 First Stage B1019

You can touch the future and see a legend of modern astronautics with your own eyes in the outskirts of Long Beach. Before you is the Falcon 9 B1019 First Stage, a historic object created by SpaceX under the leadership of Elon Musk. This is not just a mockup, but a real spacecraft—the first in the world to successfully return to Earth after performing an orbital mission.

Falcon 9 First Stage B1019. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This steel giant, on display in the USA, state of California, is striking in its scale: it stands nearly 41 meters tall with a diameter of 3.66 meters. The B1019 booster has become a symbol of a new era in reusable rocket technology, proving that spaceflight can be far more accessible.

Today, the rocket is installed vertically in the open air. It looks impressive against the backdrop of Hawthorne's modern buildings, reminding passersby that the boundaries of the possible are constantly expanding. For tourists, this is a rare opportunity to examine the design of a real rocket as closely as possible without special security clearance to a spaceport.

For those planning a visit to this engineering masterpiece, keep the contact details of the SpaceX headquarters handy, as the exhibit is located on its grounds. Although there isn't a dedicated visitor center, the information below will help you find your way.

The main reason travelers come here is to appreciate the incredible scale of space technology. Standing at the base of the stage, you can examine the cluster of nine Merlin 1D engines arranged in the Octaweb configuration. This sight is impressive even for those far from engineering, providing a vivid sense of the power required to overcome gravity.

Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of interesting angles here. Shots taken against the backdrop of the giant rocket reaching into the sky turn out truly futuristic. Don't forget to look at the info plaques: they contain a brief chronicle of the mission and key technical specifications of the booster, which help in understanding the significance of this exhibit.

While general public access to the inside of SpaceX headquarters is restricted, the atmosphere of the place itself is inspiring. You can often meet like-minded space enthusiasts here, exchange impressions, or simply observe the bustle of one of the world's most innovative companies. It is an ideal spot for a brief but very meaningful stop during a trip along the coast.

Reaching this unique site is easy, as it's located in the industrial heart of Southern California. The main landmark is the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Rocket Road. If you are traveling by car, the most convenient route is via the I-405 highway, taking the exit for Crenshaw Blvd. You can usually find street parking near the headquarters.

For travelers arriving via Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the trip takes only about 20 minutes by taxi or rideshare services like Uber and Lyft. It is also an easy drive from downtown or the nearby Long Beach area by following signs toward Hawthorne.

Public transport is another viable option. You can take bus routes that run along Crenshaw Boulevard or take the Metro (Green Line) to the nearest station and then transfer to a bus or enjoy a short walk while taking in the industrial scenery of California's aerospace cluster.

The story of this specific stage began on December 21, 2015. It was the 20th flight of the Falcon 9, aimed at launching 11 Orbcomm-OG2 communication satellites into orbit. However, the real sensation was not the mission itself, but how it ended: for the first time in human history, the first stage of an orbital rocket performed a successful vertical landing back on Earth.

The entire return process looked like scenes from a science fiction movie. After separating at an altitude of about 80 kilometers, the B1019 booster performed a complex "boostback" maneuver, flipped around, and headed back toward Earth. The operation of the nine Merlin 1D engines allowed for precise trajectory correction, gently lowering the multi-ton structure onto a concrete landing pad at Cape Canaveral.

Interestingly, immediately after touching down, a small fire broke out at the base of the stage and lasted for about 30 seconds. However, this did not damage the structure, and the mission's success proved the viability of the reusable rocket concept. This triumph forever changed the economics of spaceflight, making it significantly more affordable.

Today, this space "veteran" no longer flies, instead fulfilling an important educational mission. The B1019 booster was carefully cleaned and installed in Hawthorne as a monument to human genius and courage, symbolizing the dawn of a new era in space exploration.

Most visitors need between 30 and 60 minutes for a thoughtful viewing of the exhibit. This is plenty of time to leisurely walk around the massive structure, examine the engine details, and read the info plaques detailing SpaceX's achievements.

If you are a true space enthusiast and plan to take many high-quality photos from different angles or check out the souvenir shop at the headquarters (if it is open to the public), you should set aside about 1.5 hours. The location itself is compact, so the visit won't take much time and can easily fit into your travel itinerary.

One of the main advantages of this attraction is its accessibility. Since the Falcon 9 first stage is installed in an open area in front of the headquarters, it can be viewed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A nighttime visit has its own charm thanks to the effective lighting that emphasizes the rocket's futuristic contours.

Nevertheless, it is recommended to check the official SpaceX website or current maps before your visit to ensure there are no technical works or private corporate events in the surrounding area that might restrict access to the site.

A visit to the SpaceX site can easily be combined with exploring other interesting places in the region. Southern California is rich in diverse entertainment, from historic warships to modern theme parks, allowing you to make your trip as fulfilling as possible.

Below are some attractions located relatively close to the rocket's location: