FAA clears Virgin Galactic to resume flights after investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration said Wednesday that Richard Branson's space tourism company can return to spaceflight after conducting an investigation into issues with the firm's July 11 launch.

A probe into the flight, which included Branson as a passenger, found the company's SpaceShipTwo deviated from its assigned airspace as it descended to Spaceport America in New Mexico, according to the FAA.

"The FAA also found Virgin Galactic failed to communicate the deviation to the FAA as required," the agency said.

The FAA had grounded Virgin while the investigation proceeded.

The agency said it required Virgin to implement changes regarding communication to the FAA during flight operations to keep the public safe.

"Virgin Galactic has made the required changes and can return to flight operations," the FAA said in a news release.

The FAA said it is responsible for protecting the public from potential space mishaps, while Virgin Galactic is responsible for protecting its crew.

Source: United Press International

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Virgin Galactic cleared to launch after US closes safety probe
Washington (AFP) Sept 29, 2021
Virgin Galactic said Wednesday it had been cleared for spaceflight after the Federal Aviation Agency (FAA) concluded a probe into a safety "mishap" related to its high-profile mission in July that featured company founder Richard Branson. The FAA told the company it had accepted its proposed corrective actions related to the flight, which saw the SpaceShipTwo vehicle drop below its assigned airspace during its descent back to its runway at Spaceport America in New Mexico. Virgin Galactic will up ... read more