Boeing 747 Image: Virgin Orbit
space
Technology
/ Europe
seeking funding
Virgin Orbit suspends operations and lays off staff; few employees stay at work
By: Rafael Ramos
On: 3/16/2023
Boeing 747
Image: Virgin Orbit
Virgin Orbit, owned by billionaire Richard Branson, has suspended operations as it seeks funding for its operations. The decision comes after the failure of the UK's orbital launch.
"Virgin Orbit is initiating a company-wide operational pause, effective March 16, 2023, and looks forward to providing an update on forward operations in the coming weeks," the airline said in a statement.
Almost all of the company's employees have been furloughed indefinitely. Sources say the leave will be unpaid.
According to Reuters, Branson is looking at other "strategic options" and has already started negotiations to strengthen funding for the launch service. Until then, funding had come from Branson's Virgin Group.
Virgin Orbit uses a modified Boeing 747 to transport rockets to high altitudes and release them into Earth orbit.
Investigations by Virgin Orbit, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA – United States), the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA – United Kingdom) and the Space Accident Investigation Authority of the United Kingdom (SAIA) revealed, in a preliminary way, that The Cornwall Spaceport orbital launch from Newquay Airport (NQY) over the UK suffered a failure caused by a dislodged fuel filter, which led to the rocket's shutdown before it reached orbit.
In addition, the company's shares have been falling since 2021 and, despite the financial problems, the company said it will continue its projects optimally.
"Our investigation is almost complete and our next production rocket with the necessary modification incorporated is in the final stages of integration and testing," a Virgin Orbit spokesperson said last month.
Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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