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Virgin Galactic Grounded After Alignment Pin Detaches

The agency confirmed it opened a mishap investigation and no public injuries or damage had been reported.

Virgin Galactic's ‘Galactic 06’ flight launched January 26. [Courtesy: Virgin Galactic]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Virgin Galactic flights are currently grounded due to an FAA mishap investigation following the "Galactic 06" mission.
  • The investigation was initiated after Virgin Galactic reported a detached alignment pin found on the mothership (VMS Eve) during a post-flight review.
  • Virgin Galactic stated the detached pin did not pose a safety risk to the vehicles or crew, as it only detached after the spaceship was released and its main function is for ground alignment and initial mated flight force transfer.
  • The FAA is conducting a full investigation to determine the root cause and must approve all corrective actions before Virgin Galactic can resume flights.
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Virgin Galactic flights are grounded amid an FAA mishap investigation after the space tourism company reported a detached alignment pin to the safety agency following a recent suborbital mission.

The January 26 “Galactic 06” mission was the company’s 11th spaceflight and its first with four private astronauts occupying seats aboard its spaceplane VSS Unity.

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