Issue Discovered After Crewed Suborbital Flight
In a recent development, Virgin Galactic is working closely with regulatory bodies to investigate an issue related to an alignment pin that was discovered after the last crewed suborbital flight in January. The company has taken immediate action by notifying the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about the anomaly and is conducting a thorough review of the incident.
What Happened During the Flight
During post-flight reviews, Virgin Galactic discovered that an alignment pin had detached from VMS Eve, the aircraft responsible for carrying the suborbital space plane to altitude. The company’s investigation has revealed that the alignment pin played a crucial role in ensuring the proper alignment of the spaceship (VMS Unity) with the aircraft on the ground.
Alignment Pin’s Role
The alignment pin is a small component that helps to shift drag and other aerodynamic forces from the spaceship to the aircraft during mated flight. The company explained the importance of this component in a statement:
"During mated flight, as the vehicles climb towards release altitude, the alignment pin helps transfer drag and other forces from the spaceship to the shear pin fitting assembly and into the pylon and center wing of the mothership."
Detachment After Release
The investigation has revealed that the alignment pin detached only after the spaceship was released from VMS Eve. This is crucial because it highlights that the component performed as designed during the mated portion of the flight, posing no safety risks to the vehicles or the four paying customers and two Virgin pilots on board.
Investigation Procedure
When an anomaly occurs during a mission, the standard procedure for companies like Virgin Galactic involves conducting their own investigation into the issue with the oversight of regulatory bodies. The company then submits a final report detailing the corrective actions taken to prevent similar issues from recurring in the future.
Timeline and Next Steps
While it is unclear how long the investigation will take, Virgin Galactic seems confident that it will still be able to execute its next flight in the second quarter of 2024. The company has stated that it will provide a further update at the completion of the review and confirm the flight window for the ‘Galactic 07’ mission.
Quote from Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic’s statement on the issue is as follows:
"Virgin Galactic will provide a further update at the completion of the review and will confirm the flight window for the ‘Galactic 07’ mission, which is planned for the second quarter of 2024."
Background and Related Information
- Understanding Suborbital Spaceflight
- A brief overview of suborbital spaceflight and its significance in space exploration
- Virgin Galactic’s Mission
- Details about Virgin Galactic’s mission, goals, and achievements in the field of commercial space tourism
- Space Tourism: The Future of Space Exploration
- An article discussing the growth and potential of the space tourism industry
Conclusion
The investigation into the alignment pin anomaly is a testament to Virgin Galactic’s commitment to safety and transparency. As the company continues to push the boundaries of commercial space exploration, it is essential for them to address any issues that may arise during flight operations.
By conducting a thorough review of the incident and collaborating with regulatory bodies, Virgin Galactic can ensure the continued success of its mission while maintaining public trust and confidence in their operations.
Sources
- Virgin Galactic’s Official Statement on the Anomaly
- A link to Virgin Galactic’s official statement on the issue
- FAA Guidelines for Spacecraft Operations
- A resource outlining guidelines and regulations for spacecraft operations, including procedures for anomaly investigation
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