Santa Watch 2010 Update: Sleigh Has New Safety Features

Santa's sleigh, Santa One, is approved for global travel by the Federal Aviation Administration, and the U.S. government is giving some details about why the sleigh is special this year, an article by the Department of Defense stated.

"It is outfitted with new satellite-based NextGen technology," the article by Dr. John Ohab stated. "The sleigh's onboard systems will allow Santa One to maintain cruising altitude for as long as possible before making a continuous descent into cities and towns around the world. While maneuvering on rooftops, an advanced, onboard runway safety system will help reduce the risk of incursions between the sleigh and chimneys."

In the article, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said "Children around the world will get their gifts on time, regardless of the weather, thanks to NextGen. We're proud to say NextGen is bringing Santa Claus to town."

And there's news about Santa's famed suit.

"Elf Soen Firr, who is chief Santa suit engineer, confirmed that Santa's red suit has  also been weatherproofed and tested to ensure Santa will stay warm and dry in any type of weather. No further details of the suit's material or capabilities were released." Facts in the suit update, the article states, are from The American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

Track Santa's flight this Christmas Eve on NORAD's website. Also on the website, you can visit Santa's Village, learn how to track Santa's progress from your cell phone, and watch the time countdown to Christmas Day.