How many folks associate the Delmarva peninsula with a center for aeronautic research or a launching pad for outer space missions?
When folks from outside the region mention Delmarva they often think of the banking industry or perhaps Dupont in Wilmington. If you travel south on US route 13 from Wilmington you will drive past other well known Delmarva sites such as Dover international Speedway or Dover Air Force base.
If you keep traveling south on US route 13, crossing over to Maryland and then the Virginia section of the peninsula, some 140 miles south of Wilmington you will find the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility. Located near Chincoteague Island, Virginia, the facility was established in 1945 by the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics as a center for aeronautic research.
Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell paid a visit on October 17 to NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility to check out the development of Orbital Sciences Corporation’s Taurus II rocket that will start carrying supplies to the International Space Station in 2012.
Technology and tourism
The Wallops Educator Resource Center (ERC) provides a great learning center for school, scout, and church groups and makes for a great field trip destination. Educators and group leaders have the opportunity to to access NASA instructional products.
Located near Chincoteague Island, Virginia, a visit to the Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center is a cool educational stop on a weekend family trip to the area. Days of operation vary during the year, so check out the Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center website when planning a visit.
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