Virgin Orbit to cease all operations and lay off 85 percent of its workforce
by Jess Weatherbed from The Verge - All Posts on (#6AC2N)
Virgin Orbit was notable for launching its LauncherOne rocket from midair using Cosmic Girl, a converted Boeing 747. | Image: Virgin Orbit Virgin Orbit, the satellite-launching subsidiary of Richard Branson's Virgin Group, has announced that it will lay off 85 percent of its workforce and is ceasing operations for the foreseeable future." The company, which aimed to provide a more affordable option for launching small satellites into orbit, had been struggling to secure funding to stay afloat and compete with larger players in the private space industry like SpaceX and Blue Origin.
The news comes two months after its most recent mission in Cornwall, UK failed due to a dislodged rocket fuel filter.
Just 100 employees remain at Virgin Orbit, with 675 roles to be cut by April 3rd
According to a regulatory filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Virgin Orbit...