News story

SAIA and FAA to jointly oversee Virgin Orbit investigation

Safety investigation launched into the system anomaly which occurred during the UK’s inaugural space launch on 9 January 2023.

Picture of space

The UK’s Space Accident Investigation Authority (SAIA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the USA will jointly oversee the Virgin Orbit investigation into the system anomaly that occurred during the firing of the rocket’s second stage engine.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is the UK’s Space Accident Investigation Authority. The AAIB had a team of inspectors at Spaceport Cornwall observing Monday night’s launch.

The team will work closely with the FAA to oversee Virgin Orbit’s investigation into the cause of the anomaly. The aim will be to ensure that any relevant safety lessons are learnt.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority will act as advisors to the SAIA during this investigation.

For more about the appointment as the SAIA click here

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Published 13 January 2023