Virgin Galactic said Wednesday that the Federal Aviation Administration has
cleared it to resume launches after an investigation into why its spaceship
veered off course while descending during a July flight with founder Richard
Branson aboard.
The company said it was advised by the FAA that corrective actions proposed
by Virgin Galactic have been accepted.
A larger area will be designated as protected airspace to ensure there is
room for "a variety of possible flight trajectories during spaceflight
missions," a company statement said.
Virgin Galactic said it will incorporate additional steps in its flight
procedures to ensure real-time mission notifications to FAA air traffic
control.
CEO Michael Colglazier said the company is committed to safety and
appreciated the FAA's review.
"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 said.
During the July 11 incident, the rocketship carrying Branson and five Virgin
Galactic employees deviated outside the air traffic control clearance area
during descent to a runway in New Mexico. The FAA imposed a halt on flights
pending the investigation.
Virgin Galactic has said high-altitude wind caused the change in flight path
and insisted the two pilots responded appropriately. The company said the
ship did not travel over population centers or cause a hazard to the public.
Source: Link
Tags:
News