Virgin Galactic says FAA has cleared it for additional flights

Virgin Galactic stated Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration has cleared it to renew launches after an investigation into why its spaceship veered off track whereas descending throughout a July flight with founder Richard Branson aboard.

The firm stated it was suggested by the FAA that corrective actions proposed by Virgin Galactic have been accepted.

A bigger space will probably be designated as protected airspace to make sure there’s room for “a variety of possible flight trajectories during spaceflight missions,” an organization assertion stated.

Virgin Galactic stated it should incorporate extra steps in its flight procedures to make sure real-time mission notifications to FAA air site visitors management.

CEO Michael Colglazier stated the corporate is dedicated to security and appreciated the FAA’s evaluate.

“The updates to our airspace and real-time mission notification protocols will strengthen our preparations as we move closer to the commercial launch of our spaceflight experience,” he stated.

During the July 11 incident, the rocketship carrying Branson and 5 Virgin Galactic staff deviated exterior the air site visitors management clearance space throughout descent to a runway in New Mexico. The FAA imposed a halt on flights pending the investigation.

Virgin Galactic has stated high-altitude wind brought on the change in flight path and insisted the 2 pilots responded appropriately. The company stated the ship didn’t journey over inhabitants facilities or trigger a hazard to the general public.

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