Virgin Orbit
Virgin Orbit was a launch services company founded in 2017 as a spin-off from Virgin Galactic, developing the air-launched LauncherOne rocket system.
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About Virgin Orbit
Virgin Orbit was a launch services company founded in 2017 as a spin-off from Virgin Galactic, developing the air-launched LauncherOne rocket system. The company pioneered launching small satellites from a modified Boeing 747 carrier aircraft called Cosmic Girl, completing six total flights from 2020 to 2023 with four successes. Notable achievements included becoming the first commercial company to reach orbit from UK soil in January 2023, though that mission failed due to engine overheating. After going public via SPAC merger in December 2021 at a $3.7 billion valuation, financial difficulties led to Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in April 2023. The company ceased operations in June 2023 after selling assets to Rocket Lab, Stratolaunch, and Launcher for approximately $36 million total.
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Data Accuracy Notice: Information about Virgin Orbit is compiled from publicly available sources including company websites, press releases, regulatory filings, and industry reports. Data is reviewed periodically but may not reflect the most recent developments.