Virgin Galactic (SPCE) – Get Report shares soared Monday immediately after the room enterprise announced a new flight window beginning Feb. 13 for its SpaceShipTwo Unity, which had its prepared flight in December suspended.
The Dec. 12 flight was ditched when the onboard computer halted ignition of the rocket motor.
Virgin Galactic was launched and is partly owned by British entrepreneur Richard Branson.
“The flight window will open up on Feb. 13 with options to fly during February, pending superior weather disorders and technical readiness,” Virgin Galactic said in a statement.
“The take a look at flight will be crewed by two pilots and will carry investigation payloads as component of the NASA Flight Possibilities system. Pre-flight preparations are previously underway at Spaceport The united states, New Mexico.”
Virgin explained a “key goal of the approaching flight will be to test the remedial operate that has been completed” considering that the Dec. 12 suspension.
“The group has since carried out the root cause analysis, finished the corrective function demanded, and carried out extensive floor testing,” the corporation said. “The next stage will be to assess and validate this get the job done all through a rocket-powered flight.”
“We are pleased to be capable to get back again to the skies and go on our flight examination program,” mentioned Chief Govt Michael Colglazier.
Once the SpaceShipTwo Unity completes two thriving flights, the plan is for Branson to travel aboard the upcoming flight.
Virgin Galactic traded greater Monday even after the stock was downgraded to hold from acquire at Morgan Stanley. The organization raised the stock’s focus on value to $30 a share from $24.