Virgin Galactic Begins Planned Vehicle Enhancement and Modification Period; Unity 23 Test Flight Rescheduled to Follow Completion of This Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Virgin Galactic (NYSE: SPCE) has initiated an enhancement program for its space vehicles, VMS Eve and VSS Unity, aimed at improving performance and increasing flight capabilities. Following recent material testing that indicated potential reductions in strength margins, the company will conduct further inspections. The enhancement period will be followed by the Unity 23 test flight, in collaboration with the Italian Air Force. Despite a slight delay, commercial services are now anticipated to commence in Q4 2022.

Positive

• Enhancement program aims to improve reliability and performance of VMS Eve and VSS Unity.
• Resolution of supplier component issue enhances overall safety and readiness.
• Collaboration with the Italian Air Force could strengthen market credibility.

Negative

• Material testing showed potential strength margin reductions, requiring further inspections.

• Recent material testing returned new data that requires further analysis
• Italian Air Force mission to follow enhancement period
• Potential supplier component issue has been resolved
• Commercial service expected to commence in Q4 2022

LAS CRUCES, N.M.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) (the “Company” or “Virgin Galactic”), a vertically integrated aerospace and space travel company, today announced that it will now begin its planned enhancement program for VMS Eve and VSS Unity and will conduct the Unity 23 test flight after this work is complete.

The enhancement program is designed to improve vehicle performance and flight-rate capability for VMS Eve and VSS Unity. In preparation for this work, Virgin Galactic has been performing routine tests and analyses to update its material properties database. This data predicts how materials are expected to perform under certain load and environmental conditions and is used to inform the design and manufacturing enhancements that will support increased flight frequency. One of these recent laboratory-based tests flagged a possible reduction in the strength margins of certain materials used to modify specific joints, and this requires further physical inspection.

As is standard in aerospace test and evaluation practices, Virgin Galactic ships are designed to withstand forces that are substantially higher than those experienced in regular use, providing additional margin and layers of safety. The enhancement program is designed to further increase margins that will enable improved reliability, durability and reduced maintenance requirements when in commercial service. While this new lab test data has had no impact on the vehicles, our test flight protocols have clearly defined strength margins, and further analysis will assess whether any additional work is required to keep them at or above established levels. Given the time required for this effort, the Company has determined the most efficient and expedient path to commercial service is to complete this work now in parallel with the planned enhancement program.

Following the enhancement period, the Company intends to complete the vehicle testing program for VMS Eve and VSS Unity, including the planned research test flight with the Italian Air Force, before starting commercial flights.

Michael Colglazier, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Galactic, said: “Our decisions are driven by detailed and thorough analysis, and we fly based on the most accurate and comprehensive data available. Virgin Galactic vehicles are designed with significant margins for safety, providing layers of protection that far exceed loads experienced and expected to occur on our flights. The re-sequencing of our enhancement period and the Unity 23 flight underscores our safety-first procedures, provides the most efficient path to commercial service, and is the right approach for our business and our customers. We are deeply appreciative of the Italian Air Force Research Mission and grateful for their continued partnership with us in this test flight program.”

This schedule update is unrelated to the Company’s recent inquiry into a potential defect in a supplier component announced on September 10, 2021, which has been successfully resolved. While the supplied component in question was not on either VMS Eve or VSS Unity, in accordance with safety protocols, Virgin Galactic completed detailed inspections and scans which found all components met quality and safety standards and were ready for flight. The enhancement period is now beginning approximately one month later than anticipated, and commercial service is now expected to commence in Q4 2022.

You can download all press materials including images and b-roll from the Virgin Galactic Press Assets.

About Virgin Galactic Holdings

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. is a vertically integrated aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. It is developing a spaceflight system designed to connect the world to the wonder and awe created by space travel and to offer customers a transformative experience. You can find more information at https://www.virgingalactic.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws with respect to Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (the "Company"), including statements regarding the Company’s spaceflight systems, markets and expected flight schedule. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by words such as “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to the factors, risks and uncertainties included in Amendment No. 2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, as such factors may be updated from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Relations section of our website at www.virgingalactic.com. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation and does not intend to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211014006083/en/

For media inquiries: 

Aleanna Crane - Vice President Communications 

Virgingalacticpress@virgingalactic.com  

+1 575 800 4422 

For Investor Relations inquiries: 

Seth Zaslow - Vice President Investor Relations 

seth.zaslow@virgingalactic.com 

+1 714 732 4780 

Source: Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc.

FAQ

What is the current status of Virgin Galactic's commercial service?

Virgin Galactic expects to commence commercial service in Q4 2022 after the enhancement period.

What enhancement program is Virgin Galactic conducting?

Virgin Galactic's enhancement program is designed to improve the performance and flight-rate capability of VMS Eve and VSS Unity.

What issue was resolved regarding Virgin Galactic's supplier components?

The potential supplier component issue was successfully resolved, confirming that all components met safety standards.

How did recent material testing affect Virgin Galactic's operations?

Recent material testing indicated potential reductions in strength margins, prompting further physical inspections before proceeding with the Unity 23 test flight.