MOHAVE, California: Virgin Galactic has announced that it will delay providing space tourism flights until the first quarter of 2023.
The delay, according to the company, was caused by the ongoing supply chain crisis and labor constraints.
Following the announcement, shares of the company fell nearly 2 percent.
“We look forward to returning to space in the fourth quarter and launching commercial service in the first quarter of next year,” Chief Executive Officer Michael Colglazier said, as quoted by Reuters.
Founded by Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic had earlier scheduled the launch of its space tourism company for fourth quarter 2022.
In the meantime, SpaceX and Blue Origin are also focusing on space tourism flights, having already launched civilian flights.
Virgin Galactic reported their net loss stood at $93.1 million for the first quarter ending March 31, compared to a loss of $129.7 million one year ago.
