Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc

A view from onboard the upper stage of rocket LV0009 during the company's livestream on March 15, 2022.Astra / NASASpaceflightThe space sector's on the tail end of a boom-and-bust cycle. While many companies battened down the hatches to survive, a few publicly-traded names are running on fumes.A flurry of about a dozen space companies went public over the last few years. Although each have had fairly dismal stock performances since their debuts, the majority are still moving forward and look to build momentum in the year…

Carrier aircraft VMS Eve releases spacecraft VSS Unity before firing its rocket engine during the Unity 25 spaceflight on May 25, 2023.Virgin GalacticVirgin Galactic plans to pause spaceflight operations next year to focus resources on developing its next-generation Delta-class spacecraft, the company announced Wednesday.Shares of Virgin Galactic surged 19.2% in heavy trading volume on Thursday to close at $1.86 a share, with the stock down 47% year-to-date.Although Virgin Galactic has been flying commercial missions at a…

The Vulcan rocket for the Cert-1 mission stands at SLC-41 during testing in Cape Canaveral, Florida, May 12, 2023.United Launch AllianceCNBC's Investing in Space newsletter offers a view into the business of space exploration and privatization, delivered straight to your inbox. CNBC's Michael Sheetz reports and curates the latest news, investor updates and exclusive interviews on the most important companies reaching new heights. Sign up to receive future editions.Overview: Gaining acceptanceThere's a reason the saying…

Carrier aircraft VMS Eve releases spacecraft VSS Unity before firing its rocket engine during the Unity 25 spaceflight on May 25, 2023.Virgin GalacticVirgin Galactic has successfully raised $300 million via an "at the market" offering of common stock, the company disclosed in a securities filing on Thursday.Now, the space tourism company aims to raise an additional $400 million through a subsequent stock offering, as Virgin Galactic looks to fund the development and expansion of its spacecraft fleet.Shares of Virgin…

Spacecraft VSS Unity fires its engine during the Unity 25 spaceflight, May 25, 2023.Virgin GalacticVirgin Galactic aims to launch its commercial space tourism service in late June.The company on Thursday said the flight, called Galactic 01, is targeting a launch window that opens June 27 and runs to June 30. Virgin Galactic then plans for its second commercial flight to follow in "early August," with "monthly" commercial flights after that.Galactic 01 will carry three members of the Italian Air Force to conduct…

Aircraft VMS EVE carries with spacecraft VSS Unity during a flight test.Virgin GalacticVirgin Galactic is preparing to launch its first spaceflight in nearly two years on Thursday, as the space tourism company aims to pass a final test before flying commercial passengers.Called Unity 25, the mission represents the company's fifth spaceflight to date and is launching out of Spaceport America in New Mexico. It marks a "final assessment" flight, with six Virgin Galactic employees onboard for a short trip to the edge of…

Carrier aircraft VMS Eve is seen in the background shortly after releasing VSS Unity, which is firing its engine and acclerating during the company's fourth spaceflight test, Unity 22, carrying founder Richard Branson on July 11, 2021.Virgin GalacticVirgin Galactic is targeting as early as May 25 for the launch of its next spaceflight, which marks both its first in nearly two years since flying founder Sir Richard Branson and its planned last step before beginning commercial service.Called Unity 25, the mission represents…

An aerial view of carrier aircraft VMS Eve, left, and spacecraft VSS Unity, at Spaceport America in New Mexico on Feb. 27, 2023.Virgin GalacticVirgin Galactic is aiming to fly its first spaceflight in nearly two years later this month, but the company's first quarter loss widened dramatically as it funds its fleet growth.For the quarter ended March 31, Virgin Galactic posted a net loss of $159.4 million, or 57 cents a share, compared with a loss of $93.1 million, or 36 cents a share, a year earlier.Virgin Galactic had…

Virgin Orbit crew poses at the opening bell ceremony as a 70 foot model rocket with satellites is placed in front of the NASDAQ in Times Square of New York City, United States on January 7, 2022.Tayfun Coskun | Anadolu Agency | Getty ImagesNot too long ago, Virgin Orbit was in rarified air among U.S. rocket builders, and executives were in New York celebrating its public stock debut.The scene was true to the marketing pizazz that has helped Sir Richard Branson build his Virgin empire of companies, showcasing with a rocket…

The company's 747 jet "Cosmic Girl" releases a LauncherOne rocket in mid-air for the first time during a drop test in July 2019.Greg Robinson / Virgin OrbitVirgin Orbit is ceasing operations "for the foreseeable future" after failing to secure a funding lifeline, CEO Dan Hart told employees during an all-hands meeting on Thursday afternoon, and will layoff about 90% of its workforce."Unfortunately we've not been able to secure the funding to provide a clear path for this company," Hart said, according to audio of the 5…