MSGID: 2:292/854 120e2f1c
Virgin Galactic is not allowed to conduct space flights for the time being.
The US aviation authority FAA has grounded spaceplane SpaceShipTwo as it
investigates an incident that occurred during the first passenger space flight
on July 11th.
 
During that flight, with owner Richard Branson and five Virgin Galactic
employees on board, SpaceShipTwo deviated from its course during the descent.
As a result, the spacecraft ended up outside the so-called air traffic control
clearance area. It is being investigated whether the incident has endangered
public safety.
 
Virgin Galactic said the sudden change of course was caused by high-altitude
winds. According to the company, both pilots responded adequately. In a
statement, Virgin Galactic said the flight was "a safe and successful test
flight that complied with our flight procedures and training protocols."
 
Virgin Galactic planned to take three Italian researchers to the edge of space
within weeks. During its maiden flight on July 11, SpaceShipTwo reached a
maximum altitude of 86 kilometers.

--- DB4 - Sep 01 2021
 * Origin: AVIATION ECHO HQ (2:292/854)
SEEN-BY: 1/123 80/1 90/1 105/81 120/340 123/131 129/305 221/1 226/30
SEEN-BY: 227/702 229/424 426 428 664 700 240/5832 249/317 400 261/38
SEEN-BY: 280/464 282/1038 292/854 8125 301/1 317/3 322/757 335/364
SEEN-BY: 342/200 396/45 633/280
PATH: 292/854 229/426