Space News by Jeff Foust 11/23/2018
The application, dated Nov. 19 and posted on a publicly accessible FCC database Nov. 21, seeks an experimental communications license to cover transmissions to and from an unspecified vertical takeoff, vertical landing (VTVL) vehicle that company plans to fly at its launch site under construction on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico near Brownsville, Texas.
During the tests, the vehicle “will take off, ascend vertically to a low altitude, and then descend back to its original landing spot,†according to a description attached to the application. SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment about the FCC license application Nov. 23.
SpaceX is planning both low- and high-altitude tests of the vehicle. During the low-altitude tests, taking place as frequently as three times a week, the vehicle will ascend to no more than 500 meters on flights lasting about 100 seconds. High-altitude tests, taking place weekly, will see the vehicle as high as 5,000 meters on flights lasting up to six minutes.
More:
https://spacenews.com/fcc-license-application-sheds-light-on-spacex-vehicle-testing-plans/
