Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson, in this July 11, 2021 file photo, shows his Virgin Galactic made astronaut wings pink pin following his July flight from Spaceport America near Truth or Consequences. Virgin Galactic claims the Federal Aviation Administration has allowed it to resume launches. The investigation into why Branson was aboard its spaceship caused it to veer off course as it descended during a July flight above New Mexico. According to Virgin Galactic, the FAA advised that corrective measures were accepted by the company on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Andres Leighton, File
Virgin Galactic announced Wednesday that it has been cleared by the Federal Aviation Administration to resume launches. This follows an investigation into why Virgin Galactic's spaceship lost its course during descent during a July flight, with Richard Branson aboard.
According to the company, Virgin Galactic was advised by FAA that it had accepted corrective measures.
To ensure spaceflight missions can be carried out in a wide area, a company statement stated that protected airspace will be created.
Virgin Galactic stated that it will add additional steps to its flight procedures in order to provide real-time mission notifications for FAA air traffic control.
Michael Colglazier, CEO, stated that the company is committed safety and appreciates the FAA's review.
He stated that the updates to our airspace and real time mission notification protocols would strengthen our preparations as it gets closer to commercial spaceflight.
Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson is onboard the Virgin Galactic rocket aircraft in this July 11, 2021 file photo. The plane lands back at Spaceport America near Truth or Consequences. Virgin Galactic claims that the Federal Aviation Administration has allowed it to resume launches. This follows an investigation into the reasons why the spaceship, which was descending during a July flight above New Mexico, took off from its intended course. According to Virgin Galactic, the FAA advised that corrective measures were accepted by the company on Wednesday, September 29, 2021. Credit: AP Photo/Andres Leighton, File
The rocketship carrying Branson, five Virgin Galactic employees and Branson deviated from the area of air traffic control clearance during descent to New Mexico's runway on July 11. In the midst of an investigation, the FAA placed a halt to flights.
Virgin Galactic claims that high-altitude winds caused the flight path change and insists the pilots responded accordingly. According to Virgin Galactic, the ship didn't travel over any areas of population or pose a danger to the public.
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