By Stephen NakrosisVirgin Galactic Holdings said Monday it notified the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on Jan. 31 that an alignment pin detached during its most recent spaceflight, "Galactic 06." It added that "at no time did the detached alignment pin pose a safety impact to the vehicles or the crew on board." The alignment pin helps make sure the spaceship and mothership are aligned when mating the vehicles on the ground pre-flight Virgin Galactic said. The alignment pin worked as designed during the mated portion of the flight, Virgin Galactic said, adding the alignment pin detached after the spaceship was released from the mothership. Virgin Galactic said it is conducting a review in conjunction with the FAA.

Source: Wall Street Journal February 06, 2024 04:44 UTC