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Virgin Galactic Secures Land for New Astronaut Campus and Training Facility

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Virgin Galactic (NYSE: SPCE) has announced plans for a new astronaut campus and training facility in Sierra County, New Mexico. This facility aims to enhance the customer journey for future astronauts and their guests prior to flights from Spaceport America. The campus will feature training facilities, accommodations, and recreational options while emphasizing sustainability. Virgin Galactic has committed over $180 million to local suppliers since 2011 and employs more than 200 people in New Mexico, with expectations of creating additional jobs.

Positive
  • Secured land for a new astronaut campus in Sierra County, enhancing customer experiences.
  • Commitment to sustainability in campus design with water conservation and eco-friendly materials.
  • Invested over $180 million in New Mexico since 2011, supporting local suppliers.
  • Plans to create additional jobs for local professionals to support training and hospitality.
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  • None.

Signature Campus in Sierra County Will Anchor Curated Customer Journey

Buildout of Campus Planned in Parallel with Fleet Expansion

TUSTIN, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) (the “Company” or “Virgin Galactic”), an aerospace and space travel company, today announced it has secured land to move forward with a new astronaut campus and training facility in the State of New Mexico, near the Company’s commercial operations headquarters.

The land, located in Sierra County, will be home to a new, first of its kind astronaut campus, for exclusive use by Virgin Galactic Future Astronauts and up to three of their guests in advance of a spaceflight from Spaceport America. The master plan for the campus will include training facilities, purposeful accommodations, and tailored experiences as well as an observatory, wellness center, recreation activities, and unique dining options -- all underpinned by Virgin’s signature hospitality.

Situated near Spaceport America, the campus will sit atop a mesa overlooking the stunning New Mexico landscape. With a focus on sustainability and minimal impact to the surrounding environment, the purpose-driven design of the project will embrace water conservation and re-use, eco-friendly materials, and low carbon mobility as key considerations in the development of the site. The campus is being designed with bold simplicity, function, innovation, and emotional connectivity at the core, paying homage to the region’s spectacular natural vistas.

“At Virgin Galactic, the road to space begins in New Mexico, and we are proud to showcase the state as the launch point for our unique and unparalleled experience,” said Blair Rich, Virgin Galactic President & Chief Business Officer, Commercial and Consumer Operations. “From the point of sale, our Future Astronauts begin a journey that is curated, high-touch and distinctly Virgin, which will culminate at the astronaut campus and training facility. Customers who buy a ticket today will stay and train here, along with their guests, for five nights. While our Future Astronauts are completing spaceflight training, their guests will live out a tailored itinerary of discovery and educational experiences on the campus and throughout southern New Mexico.”

Conceptual design of the campus has already begun, and Virgin Galactic plans to complete the build out in parallel with the expansion and capacity of its fleet in New Mexico. The Company is committed to continuing its strong track record of engaging local suppliers. Since 2011, Virgin Galactic has totaled more than $180 million in expenditures in New Mexico, with more than $50 million of supplies purchased from over 200 different local suppliers. The Company currently employs more than 200 New Mexico-based employees and expects that many professional and service roles will be created to support the high-touch training and hospitality operations planned at the site.

"I'm thrilled to welcome the next chapter of Virgin Galactic's continued investment in New Mexico," said Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. "The new astronaut campus in Sierra County will spur further economic activity for New Mexico, creating more local jobs and attracting new visitors and spending to the area. New Mexico is proud to be home to the future of aerospace innovation and space tourism."

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

About Virgin Galactic Holdings

Virgin Galactic is an 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 our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, 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.

For media inquiries:

Aleanna Crane - Vice President Communications

Virgingalacticpress@virgingalactic.com

575.800.4422

Jeff Michael – Communications Specialist

661.754.4300

For investor relations:

Eric Cerny – Vice President Investor Relations

VG-IR@virgingalactic.com

Source: Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc.

FAQ

What is the purpose of Virgin Galactic's new campus in Sierra County?

The new campus will serve as a training facility for Future Astronauts, offering tailored experiences and accommodations before their flights.

When did Virgin Galactic announce the new astronaut campus?

Virgin Galactic announced the new astronaut campus on August 2, 2022.

What investments has Virgin Galactic made in New Mexico?

Since 2011, Virgin Galactic has invested over $180 million in New Mexico, purchasing supplies from over 200 local suppliers.

How many employees does Virgin Galactic have in New Mexico?

Virgin Galactic currently employs more than 200 people in New Mexico.

What facilities will be included in Virgin Galactic's new astronaut campus?

The campus will feature training facilities, accommodations, a wellness center, an observatory, and dining options.

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc.

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