Port Isabel students react to latest SpaceX launch

PORT ISABEL, Texas (ValleyCentral) — In Port Isabel, elementary students and teachers gathered to watch SpaceX's latest launch from a stadium overlooking Starbase. The students were excited and celebrated as the rocket lifted off.

One of these students was Maisie Garcia, who is in the fifth grade and has watched several of these launches. She believes each one is getting better than the previous one.

“They are determined," Garcia said. "I can see that they worked really hard.”

Even though the Starship's super-heavy booster did not land as planned, the students believed the mission was an unforgettable experience.

Many were holding signs, and balloons and even doing their own research during the launch. Students like Masen Silva said SpaceX has inspired him to get into engineering.

“I hope to work on the rocket, engineer it, and hopefully send it to outer space," Silva said. "There are so many things out there and I just wonder more about the universe.”

Silva hopes to one day send somebody to Mars as well. Teachers like Juliet Febles said she has seen an increase in students wanting to get into engineering and related fields.

She said it is something they are also empowering.

“We're trying to motivate our students to get into that field so that it does not die out, so that they know that is something very important for humans, for our history, for our future," Febles said.

Flebes added that each launch is "historic" and adds value to the capabilities of humanity trying to reach new heights.

Although it was not the first launch these students witnessed, many do say that each one is a step closer to reaching Mars.

Garcia said she wants to be a lawyer one day but being a part of SpaceX is a dream she hopes comes true.

Maybe next time they will make it, and they are very amazing at what they do and are doing, and I might be there one day too," Garcia said.