Celestis’ Aurora Flight: Important Agenda Updates and Travel Tips for New Mexico

Celestis' Starseeker Earth Rise Service launch. Photo Credit: Celestis

Celestis Memorial Spaceflights’ next Earth Rise Service, the Aurora Flight, is scheduled to launch from Spaceport America near Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Wednesday, November 30th. The agenda for Day Two of the Aurora Flight launch events has changed. This blog post will review the updated schedule and share travel tips to ensure guests enjoy a comfortable stay in New Mexico.

Aurora Flight Launch Events Agenda Changed

The tour of Spaceport America has been moved to the afternoon of Tuesday, November 29th, by the rocket provider. The memorial service featuring a talk by former NASA astronaut Mike Mullane has been rescheduled for the morning at Las Cruces Convention Center; all guests will depart for the bus tour of Spaceport America from the convention center at 1 p.m. Mountain Time. Below is a rundown of the revised November 29th agenda, which is also available on Celestis' Aurora Flight event website:

Aurora Flight Ticket Sales Closing This Week

The Aurora Flight launch event ticket sales close on Wednesday, November 23rd. If you have yet to purchase your event tickets, airline tickets, and reserve your hotel accommodations, now is the time to do so. Reserve your Aurora Flight tickets by clicking this link, which will take you to Celestis’ event website.

Helpful New Mexico Travel Tips: Dress for the Weather

During the late fall and early winter months, New Mexico can become quite cold at night and early mornings, with temperatures falling into the 30s (Fahrenheit). As many of the Aurora Flight activities are scheduled to occur during the early morning hours (including the launch), we highly recommend that you wear warm layers during your visit.

An article by New Mexico’s State Employees Credit Union has perhaps the best breakdown of how to dress in layers: “The best way to combat the cold is to dress in layers that you can remove if you get sweaty and put on if you get chilled. The bottom layer should be some sort of synthetic material that draws sweat away from your body. (Cotton is a no-no, as it stays wet next to your skin.) Fleece or wool are good options for the second layer of insulation. And a breathable but waterproof top layer is ideal.” For the top layer, think parkas or puffed jackets. It is also advisable to wear a cold-weather hat, warm socks, and gloves/mittens.

Layers are ideal because as the afternoon approaches, the weather will usually warm up to 60+ degrees Fahrenheit. As the sun warms Spaceport America, some outer clothing layers can be conveniently shed.

Contact us for more information or to receive launch updates

Drink Plenty of Water

Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after your time in New Mexico. As the desert environment lacks humidity and is arid, dehydration can occur quickly. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to invest in a heavy lotion or cream to prevent your face and mucous membranes from becoming dry and irritated.

Bring Sunblock! 

The sun takes no time off in New Mexico, even during its colder months. We recommend bringing sunblock (at least SPF 50) to prevent painful, annoying sunburns. Bring lip balm with sunscreen to prevent your lips from becoming dry, chapped, and cracked. You may also want to pack your sunglasses if you have sensitive eyes.

Whom Do I Contact If I Have Special Needs at the Aurora Flight Events?

Please get in touch with Celestis Memorial Spaceflights through our online contact form; we will be happy to assist you and will respond to you within 24 hours. 

Our Aurora Flight launch event website is live and taking reservations. The three-day launch event will include the following:

•       An exclusive tour of Spaceport America (including the Aurora Flight launch pad);
•       A talk by retired NASA astronaut and celebrated author Mike Mullane;
•       A non-denominational memorial service that celebrates your loved one’s life and legacy;
•       A post-memorial reception where you can meet Celestis’ staff and other guests; and
•       Of course, the launch itself.

Also, please check your emails as Celestis has sent Aurora Flight mission updates to families and guests. Celestis Memorial Spaceflights will keep you informed and provide further updates regarding the Aurora Flight. Also, please follow us on social media, as updates will also be shared on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram profiles. 

If you are interested in visiting other New Mexico sites during your time in the state, please check out A Brief Overview of the New Mexico Space Trail and New Mexico Attractions, Museums, and Parks: Updated November 2022.

This blog article is excerpted from Celestis’ Aurora Flight: Helpful New Mexico Travel Tips.