The Quick Answer: Not Really Anymore
Virgin Orbit’s investment story has become quite a rollercoaster – and not the fun kind that goes back up. Once a promising space company under Richard Branson’s Virgin umbrella, Virgin Orbit (formerly traded as VORB, now VORBQ) has essentially crashed back to Earth. The company has been winding down operations and selling assets since May 2023, with Rocket Lab agreeing to pay $16 million for a portion of Virgin Orbit’s assets.
But you came here to get the whole story, right? Let’s talk about what happened, what choices you may still have, and what other options you might think about if you want to invest in space.
What Happened to Virgin Orbit?
Virgin Orbit was once Sir Richard Branson’s ambitious satellite launch company that used a modified Boeing 747 called “Cosmic Girl” to air-launch rockets. Pretty cool concept, but the execution ultimately failed
The company went public via a SPAC merger in 2021, but by early 2023, things were looking grim. Here’s what the timeline showed:
- May 2023: Virgin Orbit started to wind down operations and sell assets
- May 24, 2023: Rocket Lab agreed to pay $16 million for a portion of Virgin Orbit assets
- Current Status: The company’s stock ticker changed from VORB to VORBQ (the “Q” typically indicates bankruptcy)
The company’s market value has dropped to just $1 as of November 2025. 18 million – basically pocket change in the corporate world. Its P/E ratio is -0. 01, which is never a good sign.
Can You Still Buy VORBQ Stock?
Technically, yes. The stock still exists and trades under the VORBQ ticker. But should you? That’s a completely different question.
When a company’s ticker adds a “Q,” it typically indicates the company is in bankruptcy proceedings. Investing in bankrupt companies is extremely risky and usually not recommended for most investors, especially beginners.
Here are some hard facts about VORBQ stock:
- Market cap: $1.18 million (as of November 2025)
- P/E ratio: -0.01
- No dividends
- 52-week high: $4.41
- 52-week low: $0.00 (yikes!)
The company is effectively in the process of dissolution. Its assets are being sold off, and shareholders typically end up with little to nothing in bankruptcy proceedings.
Why Space Investments Are So Risky
Virgin Orbit’s collapse highlights the inherent risks in space company investments:
- Massive capital requirements – Building rockets ain’t cheap!
- Technical challenges – Rocket science is, well, rocket science
- Long development cycles – Years before generating revenue
- Intense competition – From both private companies and government-funded entities
- Regulatory hurdles – Space is heavily regulated internationally
A few years ago, I was really excited about what Virgin Orbit could do. The idea of an air launch was really new, and it looked like they could find a good place in the market for small satellite launches. But space is HARD, and the company couldn’t be saved even with Branson’s billions and the Virgin brand.
Alternative Space Investment Options
If you’re still itching to invest in space despite the cautionary tale of Virgin Orbit, here are some alternatives to consider:
Public Space Companies
- Rocket Lab (RKLB) – Ironically, the company that bought some of Virgin Orbit’s assets
- SpaceX – While still private, you might be able to invest in pre-IPO markets through platforms like IG
- Boeing (BA) – Traditional aerospace with space division
- Lockheed Martin (LMT) – Major defense contractor with significant space operations
- Northrop Grumman (NOC) – Another defense giant with space technology
ETFs With Space Exposure
If you prefer less company-specific risk, these ETFs provide exposure to the space industry:
- ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX)
- Procure Space ETF (UFO)
- SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR)
Pre-IPO Opportunities
For those interested in getting in early on space companies before they go public, platforms like IG offer pre-IPO markets. Their service allows you to speculate on what a company’s total market value might be worth when trading begins.
Companies like SpaceX have been rumored to be considering IPOs (or at least partial public offerings) for years. Using pre-IPO markets might give you an opportunity to take a position before they officially list.
What We Can Learn From Virgin Orbit’s Failure
The Virgin Orbit story provides some valuable lessons for investors:
- Even big names fail – Having Richard Branson’s backing and the Virgin brand wasn’t enough
- Cash burn rate matters – Space companies burn through cash at astronomical rates (pun intended)
- Commercial viability trumps cool technology – Air-launching rockets was innovative but ultimately not commercially viable at scale
- Industry consolidation is inevitable – Smaller players get absorbed (like Rocket Lab buying Virgin Orbit assets)
How to Approach Space Investments Wisely
If you’re still determined to invest in space companies, here’s my advice:
1. Diversify, Diversify, Diversify
Don’t put all your money in one space company. The Virgin Orbit story shows how quickly things can go south.
2. Understand the Business Model
Launch providers, satellite manufacturers, ground equipment, data services – they all have different economics. Launch providers like Virgin Orbit face the highest technical risks.
3. Watch the Cash
Space companies burn cash like crazy during development. Look for those with strong balance sheets or steady revenue from government contracts.
4. Consider the Competition
The space launch market is incredibly competitive. SpaceX has transformed the economics of launch, making it harder for smaller players to compete.
5. Be Patient
Space investment requires patience. Development takes years, regulatory approvals take time, and profitability can be elusive.
Should You Have Invested in Virgin Orbit?
In hindsight, obviously not. But hindsight is always 20/20. Virgin Orbit had some promising aspects:
- Innovative air-launch technology
- Backing of the Virgin Group
- Focus on the growing small satellite market
However, the company faced significant challenges:
- High development costs
- Fierce competition from established players
- Technical difficulties that delayed commercial operations
Practical Steps If You Still Want to Invest in Space
If after all these warnings you’re still keen to invest in space, here’s what you can do:
- Start small – Limit your space investments to a small percentage of your portfolio
- Research thoroughly – Understand the technology, market, competition, and financials
- Consider ETFs first – Lower risk than individual companies
- Watch for new IPOs – But be cautious about the initial hype
- Track pre-IPO opportunities – Platforms like IG offer ways to speculate on companies before they list
The Future of Space Investing
Despite Virgin Orbit’s failure, the space sector continues to grow. Morgan Stanley estimates the global space industry could generate revenue of $1.1 trillion or more in 2040, up from $350 billion in 2020.
Areas that look particularly promising include:
- Satellite broadband – Connecting the unconnected
- Earth observation – Climate monitoring, agriculture, resource management
- Space tourism – Though still in its infancy
- In-space manufacturing – Potentially revolutionary for certain industries
- Lunar and Mars initiatives – Longer-term opportunities
Final Thoughts: The Virgin Orbit Investment Lesson
The Virgin Orbit story is a sobering reminder that even the sexiest industries with the most charismatic leaders can fail. Space investing isn’t for the faint of heart.
If you’re asking “can you invest in Virgin Orbit?” in 2025, the technical answer is yes (through VORBQ), but the practical answer is no – you probably shouldn’t unless you’re a specialist in distressed assets or bankruptcy proceedings.
Instead, consider other space companies with stronger fundamentals or use ETFs to spread your risk across the industry. And always remember the first rule of investing: never invest money you can’t afford to lose.
Space may be the final frontier, but for many investors, it’s also been a frontier of financial disappointment. Virgin Orbit’s journey from promising space launcher to bankruptcy is a cautionary tale worth heeding.
Have you had experience investing in space companies? What’s your take on the industry’s future? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) As of Nov 08, 2025, the market cap for VORB stock is $18M The current P/E ratio for VORB stock is -0.01 The 52-week high for VORB stock is $4.4 The current VORB stock price $undefined is 100.00% below its 52-week high The 52-week low for VORB stock is $0.00. The current VORB stock price $undefined has increased 100.00% from its 52-week low No, the VORB stock does not pay dividends to its shareholders
- 1. Open a brokerage account on Public; it’s simple to begin. For an account, you can either sign up on our website or get the Public app for iOS or Android.
- 2Add money to your Public account. You can add money to your Public account in a number of ways, such as by linking a bank account or making a deposit with a debit card or wire transfer.
- 3Decide how much you want to put into VORB stock. Go to the Explore page. Then, type VORB into the search bar. VORB stock will show up in the search results. Click on it to go to the purchase screen.
- 4Keep track of all your investments in one place. Your newly bought VORB stock is in your portfolio, along with your other stocks, ETFs, crypto, treasuries, and alternative assets.
VIRGIN ORBIT GOING PUBLIC | WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW? | SPACs to Buy 2021 |
FAQ
Is Virgin Orbit publicly traded?
Virgin Orbit merged with NextGen Acquisition Corp in a SPAC merger on December 30, 2021. The company then went public on the Nasdaq stock exchange and was traded under the symbol VORB.
How much will Virgin Galactic stock be worth in 5 years?
Virgin Galactic Stock Price Prediction for 2025 Technical analysis indicates the maximum price in 2025 is expected to be $4. 05. This represents a negative change of around 6%. The minimum is projected to be around $3. 80, leading to an average stock price of $3. 90.
Is Virgin Orbit still in business?
No, Virgin Orbit is not still in business; the company ceased operations in 2023 after filing for bankruptcy. Following a failed mission and inability to secure funding, the company auctioned its assets to companies like Rocket Lab, Stratolaunch, and Vast’s Launcher and permanently shut down.
What is the 7% rule in stock trading?
The term “7 rule stocks” most likely refers to either the 7% sell rule, which advises selling a stock after it drops 7% or more below your purchase price to limit losses, or the 3-5-7 rule, a risk management framework that limits the risk on a single trade to 3% of capital and total risk to 5% of capital.
