Virgin Galactic to move forward without longtime partner

Virgin Galactic is planning on conducting testing of its new spacecraft without its longtime partner, Scaled Composites, according to the Los Angeles Times.

Last October, Scaled Composites conducted a test flight of SpacesShipTwo, the rocket crashed over the Mojave Desert, killing one of the pilots on board.

The two companies began their work together in 2005. They planned to build and test SpaceShipTwo.

The Los Angeles Times reports the new spacecraft will be tested by Virgin Galactic’s own team of pilots.

The Times also adds the decision was in the works even before the fatal crash.

Meanwhile, investigation into the crash continues.

The Times reports Virgin Galactic is involved in the investigation, enabling them to build and make modifications to the spacecraft based on their findings.

Virgin Galactic plans to launch in the future from Spaceport America near Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

Abc-7 reached out to Scaled Composites and Virgin Galactic for comment on the matter, but did not hear back by deadline.