US FAA Grants Virgin Galactic Permission to Resume Spaceflights

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] The U.S. federal authorities have authorized the resumption of flights for Virgin Galactic, the space tourism company founded by British billionaire Richard Branson.

On the 29th (local time), according to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and CNBC, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it had completed its investigation into the Virgin Galactic spacecraft's airspace deviation incident and approved the previously banned spacecraft flights.

Virgin Galactic successfully conducted a demonstration space tourism flight on July 11, with Branson himself aboard the spacecraft.

During the spacecraft's descent to the ground, it was revealed that it had deviated from the air traffic control zone for 1 minute and 41 seconds, leading to an FAA investigation and a ban on spacecraft operations.

After completing the investigation, the FAA stated in a press release that it accepted Virgin Galactic's corrective measures and authorized the resumption of spacecraft flights.

The FAA said, "It was confirmed that the Virgin Galactic spacecraft deviated from the assigned airspace during descent," and that Virgin Galactic agreed to improve airspace measurement and communication issues.

Virgin Galactic issued a statement saying it will do its utmost to ensure flight safety and accelerate preparations for its space tourism business.

Michael Colglazier, CEO, explained in the statement, "We will further strengthen preparations for the space tourism business by updating airspace measurements and mission-related information."

Virgin Galactic's stock closed at $22.56, down 3.59% on the New York Stock Exchange that day, but surged 10% in after-hours trading following the news of the resumption of space flights.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.