Why Virgin Galactic stock is surging today

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By Senad Karaahmetovic

Virgin Galactic (NYSE:SPCE) shares are moving sharply higher in pre-market Friday after the spaceflight company founded by Richard Branson said the planned upgrades of VMS Eve, its carrier mothership, are complete.

“The mothership is expected to enter ground tests next week before commencing flight tests to verify the enhancements to the ship. Commercial service remains on track to begin in Q2 2023,” the company said in a statement.

Moreover, Virgin Galactic announced organizational changes, aimed at supporting “the Company's core near-term objectives of delivering increased flight frequency and executing on rapid fleet development plans.”

Swami Iyer, President of Aerospace Systems, is leaving the company, effective immediately. He will continue to serve as an advisor to CEO Michael Colglazier.

"With the completion of the enhancement program for our mothership at hand, our streamlined leadership structure will help propel the business forward as we prepare for commercial spaceline operations," said Colglazier.

Virgin Galactic stock is up about 19% in pre-market Friday.