Can You Invest in Virgin Orbit? The Complete Guide to VORB Stock in 2025

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’re here to understand the whole story, right? Let’s dive into what happened, what options might still exist, and what alternatives you might consider if you’re interested in space investments

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)

As of November 2025, the company’s market cap has dwindled to just $1.18 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:

1. Massive capital requirements – Building rockets ain’t cheap!
2. Technical challenges – Rocket science is, well, rocket science
3. Long development cycles – Years before generating revenue
4. Intense competition – From both private companies and government-funded entities
5. Regulatory hurdles – Space is heavily regulated internationally

I remember being super excited about Virgin Orbit’s potential a few years back. The air-launch concept was genuinely innovative, and it seemed like they might carve out a nice niche in the small satellite launch market. But space is HARD, and even having the Virgin brand and Branson’s billions behind them couldn’t save the company.

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:

1. Even big names fail – Having Richard Branson’s backing and the Virgin brand wasn’t enough
2. Cash burn rate matters – Space companies burn through cash at astronomical rates (pun intended)
3. Commercial viability trumps cool technology – Air-launching rockets was innovative but ultimately not commercially viable at scale
4. 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:

1. Start small – Limit your space investments to a small percentage of your portfolio
2. Research thoroughly – Understand the technology, market, competition, and financials
3. Consider ETFs first – Lower risk than individual companies
4. Watch for new IPOs – But be cautious about the initial hype
5. 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!

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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.

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.