[ad_1]
Former NASA astronaut Clayton Anderson takes a look at space tourism and billionaires heading for the stars.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating Richard Branson’s much-publicized Virgin Galactic test flight after reports that the spacecraft veered off course.
The July 11 flight saw Branson and Virgin Galactic employees fly over 53 miles above Earth to the edge of space aboard the company’s SpaceShipTwo before landing at Spaceport America in the company in New Mexico.
At the time, Branson hailed his trip to space as “more magical than I ever imagined.” However, FAA officials said it did not go exactly as it should.
| Teleprinter | Security | Last | Switch | Switch % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPCE | HOLDINGS VIRGIN GALACTIC INC. | 26.79 | -0.32 | -1.18% |
RICHARD BRANSON’S VIRGIN ORBIT WILL BE PUBLIC BY SPAC
“During its flight on July 11, 2021, the Virgin Galactic SpaceShipTwo vehicle deviated from its air traffic control clearance upon its return to Spaceport America,” the FAA told FOX Business in a written statement. “The FAA investigation is ongoing.”
A Virgin Galactic spokesperson said the flight was still “safe and successful”. The vehicle’s trajectory was altered by high-altitude winds, they said.
“Although the final flight path deviated from our original plan, Unity Flight 22 did not fly outside the lateral limits of protected airspace,” the spokesperson said in a written statement. “Due to the course adjustment, the flight descended below the altitude of the airspace that is protected for Virgin Galactic missions for a short distance and time (1 minute and 41 seconds) before re-enter the restricted airspace which is protected all to the ground for Virgin Galactic missions. “
The vehicle has never driven over a population center and has never caused danger to the public, according to the spokesperson.
“FAA representatives were present in our control room during the flight and during post-flight debriefings,” they said. “We are working in partnership with the FAA to address the airspace for future flights.”
The New Yorker was the first to report on the investigation on Wednesday.
Richard Branson looks out of window on Virgin Galactic flight (Galactic Virgo)
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Just a week after the test flight, the FAA announced it had opened a new space security office in Houston “to increase oversight of operations in Texas and New Mexico,” specifically naming supported space companies. by billionaires including Virgin Galactic, SpaceX and Blue Origin.
“To ensure public safety as the pace of commercial space operations increases, the FAA must adapt, be agile and remain vigilant,” Wayne Monteith, FAA associate administrator for commercial space transportation, said in a statement. at the time. “The Houston Field Office will help us achieve these important goals.”
Breck Dumas of FOX Business contributed to this report.
[ad_2]
Source link