Virgin Orbit, Richard Branson’s Satellite-Launch Venture, Has Fallen Fast

Two months ago, Richard Branson’s Virgin Orbit Inc. was poised to make history delivering the first satellites into orbit from the billionaire’s home country of the U.K. That high-profile launch from Cornwall, England, went badly, ending in the destruction of its satellite payload and triggering a probe into what went wrong. Now, Virgin Orbit is in talks with two financial institutions about a bailout and has furloughed staff. Late Thursday, after disclosing its operational pause, Virgin Orbit—which listed less than two years ago at a valuation of more than $3 billion—fell more than 30%.

tips

venture：冒险

poised：平衡的，做好准备的（poise 姿势）

probe：探索，调查，探针，探测器

institution：机构

bailout：跳伞（bail 【法】保释，保释金）；紧急财政援助

furlough：休假，暂时解聘

disclose：披露（dis 打开；把关的打开，揭发）

valuation：评价，估价（value 价值）

list：上市

which listed less than two years ago at a valuation of more than $3 billion：两年内估值 30 亿美元上市