On the Hawthorne side of Los Angeles, Falcon 9 Booster B1019 is a retired first-stage rocket associated with SpaceX headquarters. Its history makes it a notable local landmark, but a reported outdoor display does not mean the site is open to visitors; check access before you go.
- What it is: A retired Falcon 9 Full Thrust first stage.
- Reported location: Outside SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne.
- Access: Public entry has not been established by the location listing.
- From the hotel: See route details below from this hotel in Hawthorne.
What Falcon 9 Booster B1019 is
B1019 is a retired Falcon 9 Full Thrust first-stage booster with a landmark role in rocket recovery. American Spacecraft describes it as the first Falcon 9 Full Thrust first stage to fly and the first orbital rocket booster to make a controlled landing after flight.
B1019 flew on the ORBCOMM OG2 Mission 2, launched on December 22, 2015, at 01:29 UTC. That flight marked the start of its place in the Falcon 9 program’s history; the booster is now associated with a display outside SpaceX headquarters.
Why the booster is associated with Hawthorne
Hawthorne is closely tied to SpaceX’s rocket work: the company’s Falcon User’s Guide identifies the city as the location of its Dragon, Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy and Merlin engine production facilities. The guide also identifies the Hawthorne site as a design and manufacturing facility. For local transport planning, how to get around Hawthorne by transit can help.
Space Launch Now describes B1019 as being on permanent display outside SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, and American Spacecraft gives its location as SpaceX Headquarters. These details explain the connection, but they do not establish that the site is open for visits.
Is the location open to visitors?
Do not assume you can enter SpaceX headquarters or view the booster from the grounds. A travel listing describes the headquarters as a working facility rather than a visitor attraction and says it is not normally open for public tours. Space.com has also reported that SpaceX protects access to its headquarters.
The public-display description and the access caution answer different questions: one identifies where B1019 is reported to be, while the other warns that the surrounding site may not be open to visitors. Neither should be treated as permission to enter private property. SpaceX’s Falcon User’s Guide provides no visitor hours, ticket information or public-tour instructions.
Responsible ways to check access
From El Rancho Inn, Falcon 9 Booster B1019 is about a 22-minute walk or a 4-minute drive. The reported location is tied to a working headquarters, so stay on public streets and sidewalks unless the company explicitly authorizes access. Do not enter gates, grounds or buildings to try to see the booster.
Pair the stop with other local destinations using this one-day Hawthorne itinerary. Check the official site before you go.
FAQs
What is Falcon 9 Booster B1019?
It is a retired Falcon 9 Full Thrust first-stage booster. American Spacecraft identifies it as the first of that type to fly and the first orbital rocket booster to make a controlled landing after flight.
Where is B1019 reported to be?
Space Launch Now describes it as on permanent display outside SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California. That description does not confirm public access.
Can the public tour SpaceX headquarters?
A travel listing says the headquarters is not normally open for public tours and is a working facility, not a visitor attraction. Confirm any current access arrangements with SpaceX before going.