Virgin Orbit on Target for Next Launch Window to Open June 29

Rhea-AI Summary

Virgin Orbit is preparing for its fourth launch mission, Straight Up, with the launch window opening on June 29 at 10 PM PDT. The mission will support the U.S. Space Force and carry payloads for the Department of Defense's Space Test Program, aiming for an orbit of approximately 500 km at a 45-degree inclination. Following successful dress rehearsals and payload-rocket mating, the company is on track for a historic U.K. launch scheduled later this year. Vice President Tyler Grinnell confirmed that preparations are proceeding smoothly.

Positive

• Successful dress rehearsals completed.
• Launch window opens on June 29, indicating readiness.
• Mission supports U.S. Space Force, enhancing credibility.
• Company maintains schedule for historic U.K. launch later this year.

Negative

• None.

Highlights:

• Dress rehearsals complete, payload-rocket mating successful
• June 29 marks the opening of the launch window for the company’s fourth overall mission 
• Is lead-in to historic U.K. launch planned for later this year

LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Virgin Orbit (Nasdaq: VORB)’s launch system is in place at the Mojave Air and Space Port. The dress rehearsals are complete, and the company remains on track for its upcoming Straight Up launch, with a launch window opening on June 29 at 10 pm PDT.

The launch will support the United States Space Force’s STP-S28A mission and carry payloads for the Department of Defense (DOD) Space Test Program (STP). The target orbit for Straight Up is approximately 500 km above the Earth’s surface at a 45-degree inclination. Virgin Orbit is the first company to achieve this feat from California through its Above the Clouds launch which was completed earlier this year.

As of the date of this release, Tyler Grinnell, Vice President of Test, Flight and Launch for Virgin Orbit, advises that everything is going according to plan and remains on schedule in preparation for the company’s fourth mission.

“Our hardware is in top-notch condition, and the team is performing exceptionally, as we prepare for our first night-time launch,” Grinnell said. “The perspective we’ve gained from each previous launch is really paying off now. Our crews in the sky and on the ground are ready to further our mission of getting our customers’ satellites precisely where they need to go.”

To track the launch, and get real time updates and information about the launch day public livestream, follow Virgin Orbit on LinkedIn, Twitter @virginorbit, and on Instagram @virgin.orbit.

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, including with respect to the expected Brazilian space activities and launches. 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, including but not limited to the Company’s ability to access sources of capital; its ability to grow market share in the developing space economy; market acceptance of its current and planned products and services and ability to achieve sufficient production volumes, as well as the factors, risks and uncertainties included in the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2022, as well as in the Company’s subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), accessible on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov and the Investor Information section of the Company’s website at www.virginorbit.com. 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/20220624005076/en/

Linda Rivera

Linda.rivera@virginorbit.com

+1-323-316-6499

Amanda Horn

Amanda.horn@4media-group.com

+1-775-636-2567

Source: Virgin Orbit

FAQ

What is the launch date for Virgin Orbit's Straight Up mission?

The launch window for Virgin Orbit's Straight Up mission opens on June 29 at 10 PM PDT.

What payloads will Virgin Orbit's upcoming mission carry?

The upcoming mission will carry payloads for the U.S. Department of Defense's Space Test Program (STP).

What is the target orbit for the Straight Up mission?

The target orbit for the Straight Up mission is approximately 500 km above the Earth’s surface at a 45-degree inclination.

What is significant about Virgin Orbit's launch system?

Virgin Orbit is the first company to successfully launch from California, utilizing an air-launched rocket system.

Who confirmed the launch preparations are on schedule for Virgin Orbit?

Vice President Tyler Grinnell confirmed that the launch preparations are proceeding as planned.