NASA Selects Virgin Orbit to Provide Future Launch Services Through VADR Contract

Rhea-AI Summary

Virgin Orbit has been selected by NASA’s Launch Services Program to provide launch services for VADR missions. This contract is a fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity agreement, maximizing efficiency with Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne system. The contract spans five years and has a total value of $300 million. Virgin Orbit has successfully deployed 26 satellites and aims to increase its flight rate to meet growing demands. This selection marks a significant advancement for the company and highlights its capabilities in commercial space operations.

Positive

• Awarded a $300 million contract by NASA for VADR missions.
• Enables more efficient launch timelines and competitive costs.
• Successfully launched 26 satellites, establishing a strong track record.

Negative

• None.

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Virgin Orbit announced today its selection by NASA’s Launch Services Program to provide launch services for the agency’s Venture-Class Acquisition of Dedicated Rideshare (VADR) missions. The fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract will leverage commercial satellite launch practices, and together with the flexibility afforded by Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne system enables more efficient launch timelines, mission-tailored orbits, and competitive costs.

(Photo: Business Wire)

“This contract award is a great step forward for commercial space,” said Dan Hart, CEO of Virgin Orbit. “The VADR contract vehicle now provides a platform for NASA to more easily contract for flights on our LauncherOne service. That means it will be easier than ever for us to work with NASA to provide targeted and economic access to space, maximizing the science gains from their small satellite missions and enabling ever greater technological innovation.”

Virgin Orbit has already launched thirteen satellites to space for NASA through programs like the Venture Class Launch Services program and the CubeSat Launch Initiative. In a similar spirit the VADR acquisition will build on that foundation. The contract has a five-year ordering period with a maximum total value of $300 million and will be managed by the Launch Services Program at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

NASA’s selection of Virgin Orbit as a VADR launch provider comes fresh off the company’s third successful launch in under twelve months, wherein it brought its unblemished count of successfully deployed satellites to 26. Having already proven out the LauncherOne system, reached new orbital inclinations never before possible from the West Coast, and even launched through inclement weather, Virgin Orbit is now scaling up its flight rate to accommodate the high demand seen from commercial customers, the national security community, the international community and, through programs like VADR, the US civil space community.

About Virgin Orbit

Virgin Orbit (Nasdaq: VORB) operates one of the most flexible and responsive space launch systems ever built. Founded by Sir Richard Branson in 2017, the company began commercial service in 2021, and has already delivered commercial, civil, national security, and international satellites into orbit. Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rockets are designed and manufactured in Long Beach, California, and are air-launched from a modified 747- 400 carrier aircraft that allows Virgin Orbit to operate from locations all over the world in order to best serve each customer’s needs. Learn more at www.virginorbit.com and visit us on LinkedIn, on Twitter @virginorbit, and on Instagram @virgin.orbit.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “strategy,” “future,” “opportunity,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” 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. 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 Virgin Orbit 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. Virgin Orbit gives no assurance that it will achieve its expectations.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220127005783/en/

Media Enquiries

Alison Patch, Senior Director of Communications

+1 (949) 616-2504

Alison.Patch@Virginorbit.com

Press@virginorbit.com

Source: Virgin Orbit

FAQ

What is the significance of Virgin Orbit's $300 million contract with NASA?

The $300 million contract allows Virgin Orbit to provide launch services for NASA’s VADR missions, enhancing operational efficiency and expanding their commercial space capabilities.

How many satellites has Virgin Orbit launched for NASA?

Virgin Orbit has successfully launched 26 satellites for NASA, showcasing their reliability and expertise in satellite deployment.

What is the timeframe for the NASA contract awarded to Virgin Orbit?

The NASA contract awarded to Virgin Orbit has a five-year ordering period.

What capabilities does Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne system provide?

The LauncherOne system enables tailored mission orbits, efficient launch timelines, and cost-competitive launch services.