Virgin Galactic Holdings, the space tourism firm founded by Richard Branson, said on Thursday 15 June its long-awaited commercial spaceflight service would launch later this month, sending its shares up over 55% in trading after the bell.
Details
The first spaceflight, called "Galactic 01", is planned between 27 June and 30 June, the company said.
"Galactic 02" will follow in early August, with monthly spaceflights expected thereafter, the company said.
Shares of Virgin Galactic had lost over two-thirds of their value last year due to delays in the company's launch of commercial service. Shares were up at $6.30 in aftermarket trading on Thursday 15 June.
The company had suspended flights of the spaceplane VSS Unity and its carrier plane in 2021 to make various spacecraft enhancements, delaying its debut customer mission to the edge of space.
But in February, it said it had completed a lengthy upgrade period for its centerpiece tourist spacecraft, clearing the path for its first commercial spaceflight. Shares of the company have risen about 16% so far in 2023.
The first commercial mission will carry three crew members from the Italian Air Force and the National Research Council of Italy to conduct microgravity research, Virgin Galactic said.
Virgin Galactic Finishes Lengthy Spacecraft Upgrades, Plans Q2 Commercial Service
The above news follows news from March that Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc completed a lengthy upgrade period for its centerpiece tourist spacecraft, with commercial service on track to begin in the second quarter of 2023, the company said.
Read More: Virgin Galactic Finishes Lengthy Spacecraft Upgrades, Plans Q2 Commercial Service
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