Virgin Orbit
Launch companies optimistic about future demand
Launch companies that have suffered from flat or declining traditional markets in recent years say they believe a surge of demand, primarily from satellite megaconstellations, will boost their businesses later this decade.
Virgin Orbit eyes growth in military ‘responsive’ launch
Virgin Orbit is looking to grow its military business by proving that rockets launched from airplanes in flight can be instruments of national security.
Virgin Orbit clears environmental review to launch satellites from Guam
The Federal Aviation Administration on Aug. 27 released its final environmental assessment that found “no significant impact” for Virgin Orbit to conduct launches from Guam.
Virgin Orbit to expand launch business, move into satellite services
Virgin Orbit will use the proceeds of a merger with a special-purpose acquisition company to expand its launch business and develop a satellite constellation for internet-of-things and Earth observation services.
Virgin Orbit to go public in SPAC merger
Small launch vehicle developer Virgin Orbit will go public through a merger with a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in a deal that includes an investment by Boeing, the company announced Aug. 23.
Mark Baird named president of VOX Space
Mark Baird, a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general, has been named president of VOX Space.
Missile Defense Agency confirms deployment of cubesats launched by Virgin Orbit
Two Missile Defense Agency cubesats launched June 30 on Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne successfully began communicating with ground stations last week, the agency announced July 12.
Virgin Orbit launches cubesats on second operational mission
Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne successfully launched seven cubesats June 30 in the second operational mission of the air-launch system.
Virgin Orbit looks to increase launch rates in 2022
On the eve of its second revenue-generating launch, Virgin Orbit is looking to 2022 to ramp up its launch activity and operate from several airports in the United States and Great Britain.
Governments ally for federated quantum encryption satellite network
The United States and five other countries are banding together with the United Kingdom to develop a satellite-based quantum technology encryption network.
Arqit raising $400 million with a SPAC to launch quantum encryption satellites in 2023
British quantum technology encryption startup Arqit is raising $400 million in the space industry’s latest SPAC deal, supporting the launch and construction of two satellites in 2023 to protect against growing hacking threats.
Virgin Orbit schedules next LauncherOne mission for June
Virgin Orbit has scheduled its next LauncherOne mission for June, carrying a mix of defense and commercial cubesats.
SpaceX bid on launch of NASA cubesat mission
A NASA competition to launch a cluster of cubesats attracted a bid from SpaceX, who appeared to offer a vehicle other than its current Falcon 9 or Falcon Heavy.
Virgin Orbit considering moves into adjacent markets
With its first successful launch in the books, Virgin Orbit is considering ways it can expand into adjacent markets, including supporting ventures developing satellite systems.
Strong interest for SpaceX smallsat rideshare launch services
SpaceX is seeing strong demand for its dedicated smallsat rideshare missions, a program that is putting pricing pressure on small launch vehicle developers.
Virgin Orbit reaches orbit on second LauncherOne mission
Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket reached orbit on its second flight Jan. 17, demonstrating the performance of the air-launch system.
Virgin Orbit, Rocket Lab schedule first launches of 2021
Virgin Orbit has rescheduled its second orbital launch attempt for Jan. 10 as another small launch vehicle company, Rocket Lab, announces plans for its first launch of 2021.
Three companies win NASA small launch contracts
Three small launch vehicle developers won a combined $16.7 million in NASA contracts as part of an effort to support the development of new launch vehicles.
Virgin Orbit planning second LauncherOne mission for December
Virgin Orbit is preparing to perform a second flight of its LauncherOne small launch vehicle in the second half of December, carrying a set of NASA-sponsored cubesats.
Virgin Orbit CEO Hart: Smallsat launchers need governments as anchor customers
Small satellite launch providers need governments to invest in a diversity of companies and to avoid creating monopolies, Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart said.
