SpaceX to land next booster on land, not the ASDS

[Grendal]

SpaceX May Try Land-Based Rocket Landing This Month, NASA Official Says

It seems to be official: SpaceX will attempt the next landing, on land. I give this one a very high probability of being successful considering their history of near misses.

*fingers crossed*

 

[Discoducky]

Would be so crazy exciting and a fabulous Christmas present...if true

SpaceX declined to comment on Scott's remarks when contacted by Space.com.

 

[Grendal]

Would be so crazy exciting and a fabulous Christmas present...if true

I'm sure it is a matter of getting certain Federal agencies to okay the attempt. NASA can say yes, but if the FAA says no, then it is a no. I'm happy to see the desire to give it a try is there.

Good luck, SpaceX.

 

[patrick42h]

I'm sure it is a matter of getting certain Federal agencies to okay the attempt. NASA can say yes, but if the FAA says no, then it is a no. I'm happy to see the desire to give it a try is there.

Good luck, SpaceX.

I would assume that the FAA's concerns were about SpaceX being able to control the booster and hitting a target. It would be a bad day if the stage overshot Cape Canaveral and landed on Disney World.

Since SpaceX has shown several times that they can execute a pinpoint landing, I would assume the FAA would be satisfied, whether the stage tips over or not.

 

[aronth5]

USAF Confirms SpaceX Awaiting FAA Approval for Booster Landing at Cape for Return to Flight

"the mission is expected to mark the maiden voyage of the “Full Thrust” (FT) variant of the Falcon 9 booster, also known informally as the “v1.2

http://www.americaspace.com/?p=89127