Virgin Galactic Grounded

September 10, 2021 – The Line opinion panel talks through the implications of the now-infamous flashing lights in the cockpit of Virgin Galactic’s VSS Unity ship during its maiden crewed voyage. The New Yorker magazine reported that the lights, which indicated the ship would deviate from its designated airspace, represented a major issue. Virgin Galactic disagreed, but the Federal Aviation Administration ordered the ship grounded while it investigates. The incident raises questions about New Mexico’s nascent space tourism industry. 

Host: Gene Grant 

Line Guests: 
Eric Griego, former state senator  
Julie Ann Grimm, editor and publisher, Santa Fe Reporter  
H. Diane Snyder, former state senator 

For More Information: 
FAA grounds Virgin Galactic while it investigates July 11 space flight with Richard Branson – Las Cruces Sun-News 
FAA grounds Virgin Galactic’s spacecraft during investigation of Branson flight issues – CNBC 
The Red Warning Light on Richard Branson’s Space Flight – The New Yorker