Virgin Galactic Flights Are Grounded Amid FAA Mishap Investigation

(Las Cruces, New Mexico) Following Virgin Galactic’s (NYSE: SPCE) January 31st notification to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that an alignment pin detached from the launch pylon of the launch mothership, VMS Eve, during its January 26th Galactic 06 flight, Virgin Galactic flights are currently grounded, according to Flying Magazine.

Photo of the Galactic 06 crew onboard VSS Unity in outer space couresty of Virgin Galactic’s X account, @virgingalactic.

According to a February 4th press release from Virgin, the alignment pin issue was found during a standard post-flight review, and the pin performed all primary functions during mated flight.

“At no time was there a safety impact to mothership, spaceship, new on board or people on the ground,” the press release specifies.

 “‘Galactic 06’ was a safe and successful flight that was conducted in accordance with Virgin Galactic’s rigorous flight procedures and protocols,” reads Virgin’s statement “At no time did the detached alignment pin pose a safety impact to the vehicles or the crew on board.” 

The FAA confirmed in a statement that it opened a mishap investigation and that no public injuries or damage had been reported, according to Flying Magazine.

“The FAA will be involved in every step of the mishap investigation process and must approve Virgin Galactic’s final report, including the corrective actions,” the agency said, per Flying Magazine. “A return to flight is based on the FAA determining that any system, process, or procedure related to the mishap does not affect public safety.”

Virgin’s February 4th press release specifies that Virgin will provide a further update upon completion of its review and will at that time confirm the flight window for its Galactic 07 mission, which is currently planned for 2Q2024.