FAA grounds Virgin Galactic spacecraft Branson launch investigation
Carrier aircraft VMS Eve is seen in the background shortly after releasing VSS Unity, which is firing its engine and acclerating during the company’s fourth spaceflight test, Unity 22, carrying founder Richard Branson on July 11, 2021.
Virgin Galactic
The Federal Aviation Administration grounded Virgin Galactic on Thursday, as the federal regulator investigates the company’s previous spaceflight that carried founder Sir Richard Branson.
“Virgin Galactic may not return the SpaceShipTwo vehicle to flight until the FAA approves the final mishap investigation report or determines the issues related to the mishap do not affect public safety,” the FAA said in a statement to CNBC.
“The FAA is responsible for protecting the public during commercial space transportation launch and reentry operations. The FAA is overseeing the Virgin Galactic investigation of its July 11 SpaceShipTwo mishap that occurred over Spaceport America, New Mexico. SpaceShipTwo deviated from its Air Traffic Control clearance as it returned to Spaceport America,” the regulator added.
Shares of Virgin Galactic, which rose as much as 5% earlier in trading, fell and turned negative after the FAA’s announcement.
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The post FAA grounds Virgin Galactic spacecraft Branson launch investigation appeared first on Chop News.
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