Virgin Galactic said electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues which stalled sub-orbital tests of its SpaceShipTwo Unity have been resolved but added that the spaceplane’s return to flight could be further delayed by a newly discovered maintenance issue on Eve, the company’s WhiteKnightTwo carrier aircraft.
Virgin Galactic unveiled its next-generation reusable suborbital passenger spaceship on March 30, featuring a new design to enhance operations and a mirror-like exterior that adds thermal protection while setting a new bar for aesthetics.
Virgin Galactic does not expect to resume flight tests of its suborbital passenger vehicle until May due to potential electromagnetic interference (EMI) issues from a new flight control computer, CEO Michael Colglazier said during a Feb. 25 call with investors.
The budding space tourism company's publicly traded shares jumped more than 21% when investors saw a captive-carry transport flight of VSS Unity to its new commercial headquarters at Spaceport America in New Mexico.
This week: Ryanair cleared for Laudamotion deal; JetBlue signs Airbus order; rising fuel costs hit Delta; passenger demand rises in May; executive changes at WestJet; and Boeing's Q2 orders and deliveries.
The Boeing 747-400 entered service with the airline in 2001 and from flying millions of passengers across the Atlantic over its 15 years of commercial service, it will in the future facilitate a new generation of small satellites which will help us in Virgin Galactic’s mission to open space for the benefit of life on Earth.
