STA Application

2151-EX-ST-2018 Applicant Eligibility

Virgin Orbit, LLC

2018-12-26ELS_221724

Rev 1.0, 12/26/2018 Request for Special Temporary Authority Virgin Orbit, LLC Explanation of Experiment: Virgin Orbit LLC (“Virgin Orbit”) is requesting “Special Temporary Authority (STA)” to operate an S-Band Transmitter at 2262MHz. If 2262 MHz is unavailable Virgin Orbit is open to any frequency within 2200- 2290MHz band. The purpose of the experiment is to test the ability of Virgin Orbit’s Long Beach ground station to track satellite launch vehicles. Long Beach ground station is receive only and is located at 4022 E Conant St., Long Beach, CA 90808. Virgin Orbit plans to use this ground station for tracking its satellite launch vehicles. The plan is to fly a small manned aircraft with Quasonix transmitter and antennas around Long Beach, CA and track that aircraft using the ground station in Long Beach, CA. The transmitter inside the aircraft will transmit test data at the assigned frequency. Two different data rates will be tested at the same assigned frequency. Two Antennas might be used in order to get better coverage, in such a case the signal from the transmitter will be split between the antennas using a 3dB RF splitter. Virgin Orbit is requesting an area of operation with a radius of 20 miles around Long Beach Airport (LGB). The aircraft will fly within the requested area. Maximum altitude of the aircraft is 2500 ft. The transmitter will stay on for the full duration of the flight, including pre-flight checkout, taxi, and takeoff/landing unless restricted by FAA. The aircraft is expected to be flown only 4 to 6 times over a period of 6 months after the STA license is granted. Prior coordination will be made with DOD Western Area Frequency Coordinator before every flight and anytime the transmitter is turned on. Data Rate EIRP (Includes Antenna Gain and Cable Losses) -8 dBm -8 dBm Bandwidth 4.99 MHz 2.73 MHz SOQPSK-TG SOQPSK-TG Modulation Scheme 4M99G1W 2M73G1W Emissions Designator Carrier Frequency Tolerance +/- 20 ppm +/- 20 ppm Transmitter Manufacturer Quasonix Transmitter Partnumber QSX-VSR4-1111-20-80-04AB-VP-WV Antenna Manufacturer and Part Number South West Antennas (1065-028) Antenna Gain 4.2dBic Antenna Horizontal (AZ) Beamwidth 104 Degrees Antenna Vertical (AZ) Beamwidth 88 Degrees Figure 1: Transmitter Specs Location Radius of Operation Max Altitude Long Beach Airport (LGB) (33.82, -118.151) 20 miles 2,500 ft Figure 2: Area of operation

Figure 3: Map showing area of operation Stop Buzzer Point of Contact: Umer Qureshi RF Systems Engineer (562)-706-5295 umer.qureshi@virginorbit.com


Document Created: 2018-12-26 15:24:38
Document Modified: 2018-12-26 15:24:38
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