Virgin Orbit Opens Launch Window for ‘Above the Clouds’, Holds Pre-flight Press Briefing Tomorrow

Rhea-AI Summary

Virgin Orbit's third commercial flight, Above the Clouds, is set to launch on January 12, 2022, targeting a 500 km circular orbit for US Department of Defense and Polish company SatRevolution satellites. The anticipated launch window is from 1 PM to 3:30 PM Pacific, with rocket ignition expected an hour later. This follows Virgin Orbit's recent successful launches, including 19 satellites. The carrier aircraft, Cosmic Girl, will launch from Mojave, California, marking a significant milestone in the company's flexible launch capabilities.

Positive

• Third commercial flight launch planned for January 12, 2022.
• Successful prior missions with 19 satellites deployed.
• Enhanced operational flexibility with new drop point for satellite inclination.

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• None.

MOJAVE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The launch window for Virgin Orbit’s third commercial flight, Above the Clouds, opens this Wednesday, January 12, 2022. The spacecraft to be launched to Low Earth Orbit at 500 km circular orbit at 45 degrees inclination for this mission includes satellites for the US Department of Defense’s Space Test Program, Polish company SatRevolution, and Spire Global, Inc. (NYSE: SPIR).

Virgin Orbit’s team is currently progressing through the final pre-flight checklist as they work towards the opening of a launch window on January 12. Anticipated take-off times on January 12 range between approximately 1pm and 3:30pm Pacific (21:00 – 23:30 GMT), with rocket drop and ignition expected to occur roughly one hour after take-off. Virgin Orbit will proceed to launch if all conditions are nominal. Backup windows extend through January.

This week’s launch takes place on the heels of successful commercial launches that placed 19 satellites into orbit. Virgin Orbit also recently listed publicly and rang the opening bell on the NASDAQ stock exchange on Friday, January 7, 2022, at Nasdaq in Times Square. Virgin Orbit is now trading as VORB.

PRE-FLIGHT PRESS BRIEFING

Members of the media are invited to attend a pre-flight virtual press briefing tomorrow morning. Participation details will be provided upon receipt of an RSVP.

When: Tuesday, 11 January, 2022; 11 am – Noon Pacific (19:00 – 20:00 UTC)

Where: Moderated teleconference

Who: Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart / COO Tony Gingiss

How: Confirm participation by replying all to this email, or direct to PR_US@4media-group.com

LAUNCH DETAILS

Virgin Orbit’s carrier aircraft Cosmic Girl will take off from Mojave Air and Space Port in California. The plane will travel approximately 1 hour out to sea before releasing the rocket just off the Pacific coast. This mission will use a slightly different drop point than Virgin Orbit’s prior flights, flying farther to the West before dropping the rocket to allow the satellites aboard to reach an orbital inclination that has never before been reached from the West Coast of the Americas.

For additional details on the flight and the mission manifest please visit: https://virginorbit.com/above-the-clouds/.

POST-LAUNCH INTERVIEWS

Virgin Orbit anticipates reserving time shortly after the launch and in the days following to conduct interviews with key spokespeople, potentially including:

• Dan Hart, CEO, Virgin Orbit
• Tony Gingiss, COO, Virgin Orbit
• Eric Bippert (USAF, ret.), Chief Pilot, Virgin Orbit
• Nicole Lewis, Launch Director
• Tyler Grinnell, Vice President of Launch
• Brig. Gen. Mark Baird (USAF, ret.), President, VOX Space

Please contact us as soon as possible to arrange interviews. Submit a few sample questions along with your request so we can identify the best person for you to speak with. Interviews will be considered based on availability.

ADDITIONAL INFO

For live updates as the flight progresses, tune into the livestream available on Virgin Orbit’s YouTube channel or follow along on Twitter (@VirginOrbit). Photos and b-roll will be provided shortly after the launch concludes.

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/20220110005924/en/

To confirm participation in the Press Conference, reply to:

Pr_us@4media-group.com

For general Virgin Orbit media questions:

Alison Patch

(949) 616-2504

Alison.Patch@Virginorbit.com

Press@virginorbit.com

Additional Virgin Orbit media contact/support:

Amanda Horn

(775) 636-2567

Amanda.horn@4media-group.com

Virgin Group media contact:

Michelle Mendiola

michelle.mendiola@virgin.com

Source: Virgin Orbit

FAQ

What is the launch date for Virgin Orbit's third commercial flight?

Virgin Orbit's third commercial flight, Above the Clouds, is scheduled for launch on January 12, 2022.

What satellites are being launched on Virgin Orbit's upcoming flight?

The upcoming flight will launch satellites for the US Department of Defense and Polish company SatRevolution.

What time will Virgin Orbit's launch take place on January 12, 2022?

The anticipated launch window is between 1 PM and 3:30 PM Pacific on January 12, 2022.

What is the significance of the new drop point for Virgin Orbit's flights?

The new drop point allows satellites to reach an orbital inclination never achieved before from the West Coast.

Which aircraft is used for Virgin Orbit's satellite launches?

Virgin Orbit uses its carrier aircraft, Cosmic Girl, for launching satellites.