Space Symposium 2024 - Banner

Virgin Galactic soars after FAA licenses its space flights

Virgin Galactic’s first human spaceflight from New Mexico. Photo: Screenshot from launch video.

Paris, 28 June 2021. – Virgin Galactic obtained a license from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to allow it to fly customers to space, the company said.

The FAA expanded Virgin Galactic’s license as a commercial space transportation operator to allow it to carry people – or ”space flight participants”, as it said.

The FAA approval followed Virgin Galactic’s disclosure of the results of its third test flight on 22 May from New Mexico and the confirmation “that the flight performed well against all flight objectives”, Virgin Galactic said.

“The adjustment to Virgin Galactic’s operator’s license, which the Company has held since 2016, marks the first time the FAA has licensed a spaceline to fly customers,” it added. “It is further validation of the Company’s methodical testing program, which has met the verification and validation criteria required by the FAA.”

Virgin Galactic’s stock (symbol: SPEC) at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) soared following the news.

Check Also

The Space Café Podcast #103: Building for New Frontiers: How Space Architecture Shapes Our Future in the Cosmos with space architect Georgi Petrov

SpaceWatch.Global is pleased to present: The Space Café Podcast #103:  Building for New Frontiers: How Space Architecture Shapes Our Future in the Cosmos with space architect Georgi Petrov. Space Architecture is not just about creating structures; it's about envisioning a sustainable future for humanity in space. In the latest #SpaceCafePodcast, Markus dives into a thought-provoking conversation with Georgi Petrov, a visionary at the forefront of designing habitats beyond Earth. From the International Space Station's early designs to the ambitious #MoonVillage concept with the European Space Agency, Georgi shares insights into the challenges and innovations in creating environments where humans can thrive in outer space.