{"id":22550,"date":"2021-09-04T00:40:17","date_gmt":"2021-09-03T16:40:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-productionenv-bjg9h2g2bgg5b8aa.southeastasia-01.azurewebsites.net\/news\/update-faa-grounds-spaceshiptwo-virgin-galactic-responds-to-faa-investigation-over-unity-22-flight-deviation\/"},"modified":"2021-09-04T00:40:17","modified_gmt":"2021-09-03T16:40:17","slug":"update-faa-grounds-spaceshiptwo-virgin-galactic-responds-to-faa-investigation-over-unity-22-flight-deviation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/starpath.global\/news\/update-faa-grounds-spaceshiptwo-virgin-galactic-responds-to-faa-investigation-over-unity-22-flight-deviation\/","title":{"rendered":"[Update: FAA grounds SpaceShipTwo] Virgin Galactic responds to FAA investigation over Unity 22 flight deviation"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

\t\"\"
\n\t<\/figure>\n

During July\u2019s Unity 22 spaceflight of Virgin Galactic founder Richard Branson, The New Yorker reports that the pilots deviated off their approved course. In the report, they state the FAA has begun an investigation; Virgin Galactic replies.<\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n

Nicholas Schmidle with The New Yorker reported that during flight, Virgin Galactic\u2019s spaceplane, named Unity, flew outside its designated flight path and is being investigated by the FAA.<\/p>\n

\n

On the July 11th flight, with Branson on board, it was a trajectory problem, or what\u2019s known as the \u201centry glide cone.\u201d This method, mimicking water circling a drain, enables a controlled descent. But the ship must begin its descent within a specified, imaginary \u201ccone\u201d to have enough glide energy to reach its destination. The pilots basically weren\u2019t flying steeply enough.<\/p>\n

An F.A.A. spokesperson confirmed that Virgin Galactic \u201cdeviated from its Air Traffic Control clearance\u201d and that an \u201cinvestigation is ongoing.\u201d A Virgin Galactic spokesperson acknowledged that the company did not initially notify the F.A.A. and that the craft flew outside its designated airspace for a minute and forty-one seconds\u2014flights generally last about fifteen minutes\u2014but said that the company was working with the F.A.A. to update procedures for alerting the agency.<\/p>\n

Nicholas Schmidle, The New Yorker<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Site<\/figure>\n

Flying out of designated airspace could mean big trouble for Virgin Galactic if the FAA wants to punish the company for the mistake. Virgin Galactic responded Thursday to The New Yorker\u2019s claims.<\/p>\n

Virgin Galactic\u2019s statement on mishap<\/h2>\n
\n

Unity 22 was a safe and successful test flight that adhered to our flight procedures and training protocols. When the vehicle encountered high altitude winds which changed the trajectory, the pilots and systems monitored the trajectory to ensure it remained within mission parameters. Our pilots responded appropriately to these changing flight conditions exactly as they have been trained and in strict accordance with our established procedures. Although the flight\u2019s ultimate trajectory deviated from our initial plan, it was a controlled and intentional flight path that allowed Unity 22 to successfully reach space and land safely at our Spaceport in New Mexico. At no time were passengers and crew put in any danger as a result of this change in trajectory.<\/p>\n

Statement on FAA:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although the flight\u2019s ultimate trajectory deviated from our initial plan, the Unity 22 flight did not fly outside of the lateral confines of the protected airspace. As a result of the trajectory adjustment, the flight did drop 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-entering restricted airspace that is protected all the way to the ground for Virgin Galactic missions. At no time did the ship travel above any population centers or cause a hazard to the public. FAA representatives were present in our control room during the flight and in post-flight debriefs. We are working in partnership with the FAA to address the airspace for future flights.<\/p>\n

Virgin Galactic<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Whether or not Virgin Galactic broke any rules during their flight will be determined when the FAA finishes its investigation. Hopefully, this will not affect any flight preparations for Virgin Galactic\u2019s upcoming Unity 23 launch. Which will fly the first commercial research flight for the company.<\/p>\n

\t<\/span><\/p>\n

\t\t