NASA: More Projects, Busier Than Ever At Wallops Island - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. - Big things are happening at NASA Wallops Flight Facility.

"I've been here since 1984 and I can't remember it being this busy," said spokesperson Keith Koehler.    

There's been a lot of traffic at NASA Wallops.  First, the Navy is discussing the possibility of launching flights from the island.  A study involving the formation of hurricanes in the Atlantic is wrapping up.    

Now, the Antares rocket designed to deliver cargo to the international space station is underway.

"Everybody is interested in the capabilities in Wallops right now and so we're seeing a huge increase in the amount of work we currently have going on."    

The 130-foot rocket sits on top of a launch pad awaiting deployment in a few months.  It is the largest rocket launched from Wallops.

By comparison, it stands as tall as the lighthouse on the south end of Assateague Island. 

Koehler said when the rocket finally launches, "You're going to see it from all over the shore.  If it's a night launch, they'll see it from New York, Pennsylvania and possibly West Virginia.

This highly anticipated event is expected to give the area a huge economic boost.

"We're also looking in when we launch to bring in 1000s of individuals bringing in the tourism industry not only here locally but were working with tourism agencies in Virginia Beach to southern Delaware."

In August , the first lunar mission will launch out of Wallops.  The target date is set for August 12th.