US grounds Virgin Galactic after space flight 'mishap'

Virgin Galactic's space flights are being grounded by US authorities while being investigated over a trajectory devision during the recent mission carrying founder Richard Branson. — REUTERS

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Thursday said it was grounding space flights by Virgin Galactic while it investigates why the company's July mission carrying Richard Branson deviated from its planned trajectory.

The move represents a blow to the space tourism firm as it prepares to carry paying customers following its first fully-crewed test flight.