Virgin Orbit’s “Above the Clouds” launch on Jan. 13, 2022. Photo: Virgin Orbit

Virgin Orbit renamed its U.S. government subsidiary, formerly VOX Space, as Virgin Orbit National Systems. Virgin Orbit National Systems President and retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Mark Baird said this change brings the subsidiary into closer alignment with the rest of Virgin Orbit’s established market presence. 

This subsidiary, founded in 2017, serves national security organizations in the U.S. and its allies. To date, each Virgin Orbit’s three successful lights were contracted through this subsidiary, for national security customers. 

“We’ve built Virgin Orbit National Systems as a team of deep experts to support the unique requirements of this critical set of mission partners. As the name makes clear, Virgin Orbit National Systems is very much part of our Virgin Orbit family, with all the tools, processes, and expertise to get the job done efficiently and effectively,” commented Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart. 

In addition, Virgin Orbit National Systems added retired Air Force Maj. Gen. Craig Cooning to its board of directors. Cooning is the former president of Boeing’s Space and Network Systems. He also served as chairman of the board of launcher United Launch Alliance (ULA).