Virgin Orbit returning small team to prep for next rocket launch

Virgin Orbit has resumed operations to prepare for its next rocket launch, according to a company-wide email from CEO Dan Hart. The move comes as the future of the company remains uncertain and its leadership looks to secure a funding lifeline in order to avoid bankruptcy. While a “small” team will return to work on critical areas of the launch, the company’s unpaid furlough and pause in operations will be extended for the rest of its 750-strong workforce “through at least Monday”. The company has suffered a series of setbacks, with its last mission failing during mid-flight and causing the rocket to crash into the ocean.

Virgin Orbit has developed a unique system for sending satellites into space, which uses a modified 747 jet to drop a rocket from under the aircraft’s wing mid-flight. However, the company has struggled to find new funding sources and owner Sir Richard Branson is unwilling to fund the company further. Its internal investigation into the failed mission is said to be nearing completion, with modifications to its next launch being made and its rocket in the final stages of integration and test. However, Hart noted in his email that the company was “facing uncertainty”.

While the company declined to specify how many employees will return, the focus will be on testing and installing the rocket’s engines. The move has been described by Hart as the first step in an incremental resumption of operations. It remains to be seen, however, whether the company can secure the funding required to continue its operations in the long-term, given its recent struggles and the reluctance of its majority shareholder to provide further investment.



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