Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) (“Virgin Galactic” or the “Company”) today announced a partnership with Redwire Corporation (NYSE: RDW) to manufacture the research payload lockers that will travel aboard Virgin Galactic’s new Delta-Class spaceships. This new platform will significantly upgrade the microgravity research capabilities available with Virgin Galactic. Redwire is a global space infrastructure and innovation company with decades of experience in developing biotech and industrial-manufacturing technologies to operate in microgravity. The company has developed 20 research facilities for crewed spacecraft, with 10 currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), supporting world-leading research and manufacturing missions.

Sirisha Bandla, Virgin Galactic’s Vice President of Research Operations, said: “Our new state-of-the-art research platform, designed for compatibility with longer duration space mission locker standards, means we can offer a suborbital space lab suited for testing technologies and research in preparation for orbital, lunar, or Martian missions. Redwire is a pioneer in the commercialization of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) research, and we’re thrilled to partner with Redwire to further enhance Virgin Galactic’s proven, safe, and reliable microgravity research platform.” The new platform will also enhance and simplify the research experience through the customizable Redwire “plug-and-play" lockers, delivering real-time data throughout the entire spaceflight.

These lockers are optimized for both autonomous and human-tended research, with adaptable front panels allowing for easier access before, during, and after the spaceflight. They will also allow researchers to transition their suborbital experiments to payloads aboard the ISS at a lower cost and at lower risk. “We’re leveraging everything we have learned in our 35 years of outfitting crewed spacecraft to develop these lockers,” said Redwire President of In Space Industries John Vellinger. “Redwire is excited to partner with Virgin Galactic, leveraging its unique platform for suborbital-to-orbital research and development. Virgin Galactic’s Delta spaceships bring to market a new capability that expands the opportunities for commercial space innovation.”

Virgin Galactic’s vehicles offer a suborbital space lab for researchers, commercial industry and governments to experiment, qualify technology and train astronauts in spaceflight and microgravity. Virgin Galactic’s centralized flight operations at Spaceport America offer researchers access to dedicated training programs and facilities, science and research preparation labs and, given the runway takeoff and landing, immediate access to their research for loading and unloading. Virgin Galactic spaceships have the flexibility to hold a blend of payload racks and researcher astronauts to support both autonomous and human-tended research. Each spaceship will be capable of holding five payload racks, for up to 20 lockers total. Currently in production, the first Delta-Class spaceships are expected to enter commercial service in 2026.

Virgin Galactic has flown dozens of payloads over seven research missions. Examples of research conducted onboard include:

  • Biological experiments using plants to study how gene expression changes as terrestrial organisms transition into the novel space environment.
  • Autonomous experiments to advance biological imaging systems for use in potential planetary lander applications and space exploration, in addition to nanotechnology for small satellites.
  • Low energy, impact experiments to study the behavior of fine particles in dusty environments to inform successful exploration missions of asteroids, the Moon, and Mars.
  • Medical device research to inform astrosurgery capabilities in the event complex procedures need to be conducted in a weightless environment and during long-term space missions.
  • Experiments studying the combustion characteristics of renewable liquid biofuels, contributing to research on efficient technologies for ecosustainable energy and propulsion systems, such as aircraft engines.
  • Physical science experiments examining how confined fluids behave in low gravity to help inform technologies such as spacecraft life-support systems, syringe designs for administering medication in space, and spacecraft propulsion systems.
  • Custom technology developed to study the physiological and emotional responses associated with the “Overview Effect” as well as changing brain pressure and vision during spaceflight.

About Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human-first spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. Scale and profitability are driven by next-generation vehicles capable of bringing humans to space at an unprecedented frequency with an industry-leading cost structure.

About Redwire

Redwire Corporation (NYSE:RDW) is a global space infrastructure and innovation company enabling civil, commercial, and national security programs. Redwire’s proven and reliable capabilities include avionics, sensors, power solutions, critical structures, mechanisms, radio frequency systems, platforms, missions, and microgravity payloads. Redwire combines decades of flight heritage and proven experience with an agile and innovative culture. Redwire’s approximately 700 employees, working from 17 facilities located throughout the United States and Europe, are committed to building a bold future in space for humanity, pushing the envelope of discovery and science while creating a better world on Earth.

Source: Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) (the “Company” or “Virgin Galactic”) and Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile (“ENAC”), the civil aviation authority of Italy, today announced the signing of an Agreement of Cooperation to jointly study the feasibility of Virgin Galactic conducting spaceflight operations from Grottaglie Spaceport in the Puglia region of Southern Italy.

The study will evaluate the necessary technical requirements for suborbital spaceflight operations at Grottaglie Spaceport, the surrounding area’s ability to support private and research suborbital spaceflight customers, and the compatibility of Italy’s suborbital regulations with those in the United States, where Virgin Galactic is headquartered.

Phase one of the study, anticipated to be completed in 2025, will examine Grottaglie’s airspace compatibility with Virgin Galactic’s requirements and unique flight profile. This will include examining any regulatory requirements, studying the facilities infrastructure and ensuring supply chain capability to support repeated spaceflights. Presuming these criteria are satisfied, phase two of the examination would expand to consider regional workforce requirements as well as the potential economic stimulation to Italy and Puglia generated by multiple spaceflights per week.

The announcement comes 18 months after members of the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council of Italy conducted research aboard Virgin Galactic’s June 2023 ‘Galactic 01’ mission from Spaceport America in New Mexico. The flight marked the Company’s inaugural commercial spaceflight.

“Development of world-class spaceports in premier locations is essential to our goal of expanding human-first space travel around the world, and we are honored to partner with the Italian government as we look to bring Virgin Galactic’s spaceline operations to Italy and the European continent,” said Michael Colglazier, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Galactic. “This study lays the groundwork to activate the economic and community benefits of commercial space across the region, and we are thrilled at the prospect of Virgin Galactic customers looking out our spaceship windows to witness the boot of Italy from space.”

“Today, our partnership takes a significant step forward. Together, we will conduct a feasibility study to determine the conditions for suborbital operations from the Grottaglie Spaceport under ENAC’s regulations inspired by the U.S. model,” said Mr. Fabio Nicolai, Deputy Director General, ENAC. “This work will lay the foundation for safe and sustainable commercial operations in Italy.”

Grottaglie Airport is managed by Aeroporti di Puglia and was designated a commercial spaceport by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport in 2018, making it the first horizontal spaceport in Italy and first in the European Union. Grottaglie Spaceport is primarily intended to provide a base for suborbital spaceflights, including both private and research, acting as a center of excellence for commercial suborbital transportation and space exploration in the Mediterranean basin. The Puglia region and Italian government recently allocated funding of 70 million Euros for airport infrastructure necessary for the full operation of Grottaglie Spaceport.

“We are excited to work with Virgin Galactic and demonstrate how Grottaglie Spaceport can provide infrastructure, high level skills and specialized services necessary for suborbital flights,” said Antonio Maria Vasile, President of Aeroporti diPuglia, which manages the site. “Grottaglie Spaceport has become a European hub for the development of new aerospace technologies and a catalyst for pioneering projects in the new space economy.”

Added Mr. Vito Bavaro of the Economic Development Department of Puglia Region, “Extending commercial space travel to our region aligns closely with the investments we are already making in research and innovation, development of advanced skills, and policies to strengthen the regional aerospace ecosystem. We believe Virgin Galactic is an ideal partner in our mission to provide a regional base for suborbital flights in the Mediterranean basin.”

About Virgin Galactic Holdings

Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human-first spaceflight for private individuals, researchers, and governments with its advanced spaceships and high-altitude carrier aircraft. Scale and profitability are driven by next generation vehicles capable of bringing humans to space at an unprecedented frequency with an industry-leading cost structure.

About Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile

The Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) serves as the sole authority for technical regulation, certification, supervision, and control in the civil aviation sector, including airports, in Italy, operating under the powers granted by the Navigation Code. In carrying out its institutional role of regulation and oversight, ENAC promotes the development of civil aviation and airport systems by ensuring flight and operational safety, protecting passenger rights, enhancing service quality, and fostering fair competition—all while respecting environmental sustainability. ENAC is particularly attentive to innovation, with a focus on emerging fields in aviation and aerospace transportation, driving advancements that contribute to the modernization and competitiveness of Italy's aviation sector. It actively collaborates with national and international organizations to support the sustainable growth and innovation of the industry.

Source: Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) (“Virgin Galactic” or the “Company”) today announced the completion of its second spaceflight of 2024 and 12th mission to date, carrying one researcher and three private astronauts. Today’s ‘Galactic 07’ flight marks the Company’s seventh research mission with Virgin Galactic’s spaceship again serving as a suborbital lab for space-based scientific research.

Onboard ‘Galactic 07’:

  • Astronaut 027 – Tuva Cihangir Atasever, Turkish Space Agency (TUA) astronaut and Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3) Backup Mission Specialist
  • Astronaut 028 – Anand “Andy” Harish Sadhwani, California, USA
  • Astronaut 029 – Irving Izchak Pergament, New York, USA
  • Astronaut 030 – Giorgio Manenti, Italy

“Watching our pioneering spaceship Unity return from space on its final commercial flight was a breathtaking and proud moment as we celebrate the ship’s unprecedented achievements in human spaceflight and build momentum for the rollout of our first Delta Class ships in 2026,” said Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic.

On today’s flight, Atasever flew with three human-tended experiments, including custom headgear with brain activity monitoring sensors to collect physiological data related to human spaceflight; a dosimeter; and two commercially available insulin pens to examine the ability to administer accurate insulin doses in microgravity. He also participated in four investigations carried out by Turkish researchers on the ground to understand physiological changes during suborbital spaceflight.

“I am beyond grateful to have represented my country on ‘Galactic 07’ and conduct groundbreaking research that will impact future space missions,” said Atasever. “The successful completion of Ax-3 and now ‘Galactic 07’ is just the beginning of Türkiye’s space endeavors. May our people at home continue to be inspired and dream beyond the stars.”

‘Galactic 07’ also flew two autonomous rack-mounted payloads supported by NASA’s Flight Opportunities program: a Purdue University experiment to study propellant slosh for spacecraft propulsion applications and a University of California, Berkeley experiment to test new 3D printing technology while in microgravity.

The flight was Virgin Galactic’s seventh spaceflight carrying microgravity and space-based research, following last year’s research missions, ‘Galactic 05’ with U.S. Planetary Scientist Dr. Alan Stern and U.S. Payload Specialist and Bioastronautics Researcher Kellie Gerardi, and ‘Galactic 01’ with the Italian Air Force and National Research Council. VSS Unity was piloted by Commander Nicola Pecile and Pilot Jameel Janjua. VMS Eve was piloted by Commander Andy Edgell and Pilot C.J. Sturckow.

Building on VSS Unity’s unrivaled record in commercial human spaceflight (32 total flights, including 12 to space), the company is now producing its fourth-generation and most advanced spaceships, the Delta Class, expected to enter commercial service in 2026.

About Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human spaceflight for private individuals and researchers with its advanced air and space vehicles. Scale and profitability are driven by next-generation vehicles capable of bringing humans to space at an unprecedented frequency with an industry-leading cost structure.

Source: Virgin Galactic

Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) (“Virgin Galactic” or the “Company”) announced on November 2nd, 2023 the completion of its sixth space mission in six months and tenth to date. The ‘Galactic 05’ mission saw Virgin Galactic’s spaceship converted into a suborbital lab for space-based scientific research for the second time.

Michael Colglazier, CEO of Virgin Galactic, said: “Providing researchers with reliable and repeatable access to a high-quality microgravity environment is vital to our mission of expanding human knowledge and enabling scientific discoveries. We are proud to support the work of the Southwest Research Institute and International Institute for Astronautical Sciences with today’s flight, and we will use insights from the mission to enhance the research capabilities of our future Delta-class spaceships. We look forward to playing an increasingly important role in space research in the years ahead.”

Onboard ‘Galactic 05’:

  • Astronaut 020 – Dr. Alan Stern, U.S. Planetary Scientist and Associate Vice President in Southwest Research Institute’s (SwRI) Space Sector
  • Astronaut 021 – Kellie Gerardi, U.S. Payload Specialist and Bioastronautics Researcher for the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS)
  • Astronaut 022 – Ketty Pucci-Sisti Maisonrouge, Private Astronaut

Dr. Stern flew with two human-tended experiments, including a biomedical harness to collect physiological data related to human spaceflight. He also conducted practice routines and procedures in preparation for a future NASA-funded suborbital research flight.

Dr. Alan Stern, U.S. Planetary Scientist and Associate Vice President in Southwest Research Institute’s (SwRI) Space Sector, said: “The success of this mission is another important step in the development of the scientific and educational use cases for commercial suborbital vehicles. The potential here is literally astronomical.”

Gerardi flew with three payloads, two of which evaluated novel healthcare technologies in microgravity conditions through the collection of biometric data. The third payload examined how confined fluid behaves to inform future healthcare technologies in space.

Kellie Gerardi, U.S. Payload Specialist and Bioastronautics Researcher for the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences (IIAS), said: “The suborbital science potential for Institutes like ours is unprecedented and I’m also struck by the broader societal impact of commercial human spaceflight — after today’s mission, Virgin Galactic is now responsible for producing 10% of the world’s female astronauts, and I look forward to seeing that number soar for my daughter’s generation.”  

‘Galactic 05’ was Virgin Galactic’s sixth spaceflight carrying microgravity and space-based research and its second in 2023, following ‘Galactic 01,’ a research mission with the Italian Air Force and National Research Council. VSS Unity was piloted by Commander Mike Masucci and Pilot Kelly Latimer, with Astronaut Instructor Colin Bennett on board. VMS Eve was piloted by Commander Jameel Janjua and Pilot Andy Edgell.

Source: Virgin Galactic

NEWQUAY, UNITED KINGDOM — 10 JANUARY 2023 — The historic first attempt to launch satellites from British soil reached space late last night, but ultimately fell short of reaching its target orbit. After successfully taking off from the runway at Spaceport Cornwall – which just a few weeks ago was transformed from a mere slab of empty cement at a commercial airport to the world’s newest space launch operations center – and travelling to the designated drop zone, Cosmic Girl, the customized 747 that serves as the LauncherOne system’s carrier aircraft, successfully released the rocket.

The rocket then ignited its engines, quickly going hypersonic and successfully reaching space. The flight then continued through successful stage separation and ignition of the second stage. However, at some point during the firing of the rocket’s second stage engine and with the rocket travelling at a speed of more than 11,000 miles per hour, the system experienced an anomaly, ending the mission prematurely.

Though the mission did not achieve its final orbit, by reaching space and achieving numerous significant first-time achievements, it represents an important step forward. The effort behind the flight brought together new partnerships and integrated collaboration from a wide range of partners, including the UK Space Agency, the Royal Air Force, the Civil Aviation Authority, the US Federal Aviation Administration, the National Reconnaissance Office, and more, and demonstrated that space launch is achievable from UK soil.

Out of five LauncherOne missions carrying payloads for private companies and governmental agencies, this is the first to fall short of delivering its payloads to their precise target orbit.

Dan Hart, Virgin Orbit CEO, said: “While we are very proud of the many things that we successfully achieved as part of this mission, we are mindful that we failed to provide our customers with the launch service they deserve. The first-time nature of this mission added layers of complexity that our team professionally managed through; however, in the end a technical failure appears to have prevented us from delivering the final orbit. We will work tirelessly to understand the nature of the failure, make corrective actions, and return to orbit as soon as we have completed a full investigation and mission assurance process.”

Matt Archer, Director of Commercial Spaceflight at the UK Space Agency, said: “Last night, Virgin Orbit attempted the first orbital launch from Spaceport Cornwall. We have shown the UK is capable of launching into orbit, but the launch was not successful in reaching the required orbit. We will work closely with Virgin Orbit as they investigate what caused the anomaly in the coming days and weeks. While this result is disappointing, launching a spacecraft always carries significant risks. Despite this, the project has succeeded in creating a horizontal launch capability at Spaceport Cornwall, and we remain committed to becoming the leading provider of commercial small satellite launch in Europe by 2030, with vertical launches planned from Scotland.”

Melissa Thorpe, Head of Spaceport Cornwall, added: “We are so incredibly proud of everything we have achieved with our partners and friends across the space industry here in the UK and in the US – we made it to space – a UK first. Unfortunately we learned that Virgin Orbit experienced an anomaly which means we didn’t achieve a successful mission. Today we inspired millions, and we will continue to look to inspire millions more. Not just with our ambition but also with our fortitude. Yes, space is hard, but we are only just getting started.”

Source: Virgin Orbit

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