| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 12 Months Ended |
| Dec. 31, 2022 |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Basis of Presentation | Basis of PresentationThese consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). All intercompany transactions and balances between the various legal entities comprising the Company have been eliminated in consolidation. |
| Use of Estimates | Use of EstimatesThe preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We base these estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ materially from these estimates. Significant estimates inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include, but are not limited to, accounting for revenue, contract assets, contract liabilities, useful lives of property, plant and equipment, fair value of investments, accrued liabilities, income taxes including deferred tax assets and liabilities and impairment valuation, warrants, stock-based awards and contingencies. |
| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash EquivalentsThe Company's cash consists of cash on hand. All highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, when acquired, are accounted for as cash equivalents. |
| Restricted Cash | Restricted CashRestricted cash consists of any cash deposits received from our future astronauts, that are contractually restricted for operational use until the condition of carriage is signed or the deposits are refunded. |
| Marketable Securities | Marketable SecuritiesThe Company's marketable securities have been classified as debt securities that are accounted for as "available-for-sale" securities. Management determines the appropriate classification of its investments at the time of purchase and reevaluates the classification at each balance sheet date. Marketable securities are classified as short-term and long-term based on the instrument's underlying contractual maturity date. The Company's marketable securities are carried at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes, reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity, with the exception of unrealized losses believed to be other-than-temporary, which are reported in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss in the period in which such determination is made |
| Accounts Receivable | Accounts ReceivableAccounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and unbilled receivable, and do not bear interest. The Company estimates an allowance for doubtful accounts based on historical losses, the age of the receivable balance, credit quality of our customers, current economic conditions, and other factors that may affect the customers’ ability to pay. There was no allowance for uncollectible amounts as of December 31, 2022 or 2021, and no write-offs for the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 or 2020. The Company does not have any off balance sheet credit exposure related to its customers. |
| Inventories | InventoriesInventories consist of raw materials expected to be used for the development of the human spaceflight program and customer-specific contracts. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. At the end of each reporting period, we evaluate whether the utility of our inventories have diminished through damage, deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price or other causes, and if so, a loss is recognized in the period in which it occurs. We determine the costs of other product and supply inventories by using the first-in, first-out or average cost methods. The company’s status of pre-technological feasibility means that materials issued from inventory into production of our vehicles, labor charges and overhead charges are charged to research and development ("R&D") expense. |
| Property, Plant, and Equipment | Property, Plant and Equipment Property, plant and equipment, net and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation on property, plant and equipment is calculated on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter period of the estimated life or the lease term. The estimated useful lives of property, plant and equipment are principally as follows: Asset Useful Life Buildings 39 years Aircraft 20 years Machinery and equipment 5 to 7 years Information technology software and equipment 3 to 5 years Leasehold improvements Shorter of the estimated useful life or lease term We incur repair and maintenance costs on major equipment, which is expensed as incurred. |
| Leases | LeasesThe Company determines whether an arrangement contains a lease at inception. A lease is a contract that provides the right to control an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. For identified leases, the Company determines whether it should be classified as an operating or finance lease. Operating leases are recorded in the balance sheet as a right-of-use asset (“ROU asset”) and operating lease obligation. ROU assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized at the commencement date of the lease and measured based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. The ROU asset also includes deferred rent liabilities. The Company’s lease arrangements generally do not provide an implicit interest rate. As a result, in such situations the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The Company includes options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that it will exercise that option in the measurement of its ROU assets and liabilities. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has some lease agreements with lease and non-lease components, which are accounted for as a single lease component. ROU assets are presented in other non-current assets other current liabilities and long-term liabilities |
| Capitalized Software | Capitalized SoftwareWe capitalize certain costs associated with the development or purchase of internal-use software. The amounts capitalized are included in property, plant and equipment on the Company's consolidated balance sheets and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the resulting software, which approximates 3 years. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, net capitalized software, totaled $5.3 million and $2.0 million, including accumulated amortization of $10.4 million and $8.4 million, respectively. No amortization expense is recorded until the software is ready for its intended use. |
| Long-Lived Assets | Long-Lived AssetsLong-lived assets primarily consist of property, plant and equipment and are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. If circumstances require a long-lived asset to be tested for possible impairment, we first compare undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by that asset group to its carrying amount. We assess impairment for asset groups, which represent a combination of assets that produce distinguishable cash flows. If the carrying amount of the asset group is not recoverable on an undiscounted cash flow basis, an impairment is recognized to the extent that the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow models, quoted market values, and third-party independent appraisals, as considered necessary. |
| Convertible Senior Notes | Convertible Senior Notes On January 1, 2022, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2020-06, Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) , which removes from GAAP the liability and equity separation model for convertible instruments with either cash or beneficial conversion features. As a result, convertible debt instruments would only be separated into multiple components if they were issued at a substantial premium or if embedded derivatives requiring bifurcation were identified. The convertible senior notes (the "2027 Notes") were not issued at a substantial premium, and the Company analyzed the provisions of the notes and did not identify any material embedded features which would require bifurcation from the host debt. As such, the notes are accounted for entirely as a liability, net of unamortized issuance costs. At the end of each reporting period, we evaluate whether conditions are present that would require bifurcation. The carrying amount of the liability is classified as long-term as the instrument does not mature within one year of the balance sheet date and the holder is not permitted to demand repayment of the principal within one year of the balance sheet date. However, if conditions to convertibility are met as described further in Note 10, the Company may be required to reclassify the carrying amount of the liability to current. The embedded conversion features are not remeasured as long as they do not meet the separation requirement of a derivative. Issuance costs are amortized to interest expense using the effective interest rate method. Additionally, ASU 2020-06 requires the application of the if-converted method to calculate the impact of convertible instruments on diluted earnings per share. |
| Capped Call Transactions | Capped Call Transactions In connection with the pricing of our 2027 Notes, the Company entered into capped call transactions with respect to its common stock (the "2027 Capped Calls"). The 2027 Capped Calls are purchased call options that give the Company the option to purchase shares of the Company's common stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments substantially identical to those in the 2027 Notes. The Company's capped call transactions are accounted for as separate transactions from the 2027 Notes and are classified as equity instruments as a reduction to additional paid-in capital in the consolidated balance sheets. The instruments are initially recorded at fair value and not subsequently remeasured so long as they continue to qualify for equity classification based on the Company's intent and ability for the 2027 Capped Calls to be settled in shares of the Company's common stock. At the end of each reporting period, we evaluate whether the instruments continue to qualify for equity classification. The capped call transactions have the effect of reducing the number of shares outstanding if exercised, hence reduces the potential dilution. Therefore, the capped call transactions are anti-dilutive and not included in the calculation of diluted shares outstanding. See Note 10 for additional information on the 2027 Capped Calls. |
| Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements We utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible. We estimate fair value based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability in the principal or most advantageous market. When considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, the following fair value hierarchy distinguishes between observable and unobservable inputs, which is categorized in one of the following levels: • Level 1 inputs : Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities accessible to the reporting entity at the measurement date; • Level 2 inputs: Other than quoted prices included in Level 1 inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability; and • Level 3 inputs: Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability used to measure fair value to the extent that observable inputs are not available, thereby allowing for situations in which there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability at the measurement date. The fair value of the warrant liability was determined using the Black-Scholes valuation methodology and the quoted price of the Company’s common stock in an active market, a Level 3 measurement. Volatility was based on the actual market activity of the Company’s peer group as well as the Company's historical volatility since the business combination in October 2019 (the “Virgin Galactic Business Combination"). The expected life was based on the remaining contractual term of the warrants, and the risk free interest rate was based on the implied yield available on U.S. Treasury Securities with a maturity equivalent to the warrants’ expected life. The Company calculated the estimated fair value of the warrants as of December 31, 2020 using the following assumptions: Risk-free interest rate 0.25% Contractual term 3.82 years Expected volatility 80% |
| Segments | Segments Operating segments are defined as components of an entity for which separate financial information is available and that is regularly reviewed by the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) in deciding how to allocate resources to an individual segment and in assessing performance. The Company’s CODM is its Chief Executive Officer. The Company has determined that it operates in one operating segment and one reportable segment, as the CODM reviews financial information presented on a consolidated basis for purposes of making operating decisions, allocating resources and evaluating financial performance. |
| Comprehensive Income | Comprehensive IncomeComprehensive income generally represents all changes in equity other than transactions with owners. Our comprehensive loss consists of net loss, foreign currency translation adjustments and any unrealized gains or losses on marketable debt securities. |
| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition We recognize revenue when control of the promised service is transferred to our customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to receive based on the contracted amount for those services. Our contracts generally include spaceflight operations and other revenue and engineering services revenue. Spaceflight operations and other revenue Spaceflight operations and other revenue is recognized for providing human spaceflights and carrying payload cargo into space, or a combination of the two. In addition, we have various sponsorship arrangements for which revenue is recognized over the sponsorship term. Human spaceflight services are those services provided to the majority of our customers. Spaceflight service revenue is recognized at a point in time upon successful completion of a spaceflight. Payload cargo services generally include performance obligations in which control is transferred over time. We recognize revenue on these fixed fee contracts, over time, using the proportion of actual costs incurred to the total costs expected to complete the performance obligations. For contracts which include a combination of services, the Company assesses and accounts for individual services separately if they are distinct performance obligations, which often requires judgment based upon knowledge of the services and structure of the sales contract. We allocate the contract price to each performance obligation based on the estimated standalone selling price using observable pricing from our contracts with single performance obligations. Engineering services revenue Engineering services revenue is recognized for providing services for the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology aerospace systems, products and services. We have arrangements as a subcontractor to the primary contractor of a long-term contract with the U.S. Government and perform the specified work on a time-and-materials basis subject to a guaranteed maximum price. Our engineering services revenue contract obligates us to provide services that together are one distinct performance obligation; the delivery of engineering services. The Company elected to apply the ‘as-invoiced’ practical expedient to such revenues and, as a result, will bypass estimating the variable transaction price. Revenue is recognized as control of the performance obligation is transferred over time to the customer. Membership revenue Membership revenue is recognized for providing access to Virgin Galactic's Future Astronaut community. This membership provides access to events and experiences, including exclusive weeks 'at home' with Virgin Galactic Astronaut 001, Sir Richard Branson. Each spaceflight ticket purchased after our ticket sale reopening in 2021 includes this membership. We allocate a portion of the contract price to the membership based on the estimated standalone selling price. We recognize revenue for these memberships over time based on the period of performance before the members' flight to space. Variable consideration We generally estimate variable consideration and refund liabilities at the most likely amount to which we expect to be entitled or owed and in certain cases based on the expected value, which requires judgment. Estimated variable consideration amounts are included in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is resolved. Estimated refund liability amounts are excluded in the transaction price to the extent it is probable that they are payable to the customer. Our estimates of variable consideration and refund liabilities, and determination of whether to include the estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of our anticipated performance and all information that is reasonably available to us. Disaggregation of revenue The Company does not disaggregate revenue for purposes of disclosure. Contract balances Contract assets are comprised of billed accounts receivable and unbilled receivables, which is the result of timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections. The Company records accounts receivable when it has an unconditional right to consideration. Contract liabilities relate to spaceflight operations and other revenue contracts and are recorded when cash payments are received or due in advance of performance. Cash payments for spaceflight services are classified as customer deposits until enforceable rights and obligations exist, when such deposits also become nonrefundable. Customer deposits become nonrefundable and are recorded as deferred revenue following the Company's delivery of the conditions of carriage to the customer and execution of an informed consent. As of December 31, 2022 and 2021, our contract liabilities are $102.6 million and $90.9 million, respectively. Contract liabilities were comprised of customer deposits for our spaceflight services and Future Astronaut community membership. Contract fulfillment costs The Company evaluates whether or not it should capitalize the costs of fulfilling a contract. Such costs would be capitalized when they are not within the scope of other standards and: (1) are directly related to a contract; (2) generate or enhance resources that will be used to satisfy performance obligations; and (3) are expected to be recovered. Significant financing component In determining the transaction price, the Company assesses the existence of significant financing components in its arrangements and adjusts the promised amount of consideration for the effects of the time value of money when the timing of payments provides it with a significant benefit of financing the transfers of goods or services to the customer. The arrangements related to our current offerings do not have a significant financing component as the payment terms are intended to enable customers to reserve the service, not to provide a financing benefit to the Company. Remaining performance obligations |
| Customer Experience | Customer ExperienceCustomer experience expenses related to spaceflight operations include the consumption of a rocket motor and fuel and other consumables, as well as payroll and benefits for our pilots and ground crew. Customer experience expenses related to the payload cargo services, as well as engineering services, consist of materials and human capital, such as payroll and benefits, to perform these services. Additionally, customer experience expenses include costs associated with maintaining and growing our Future Astronaut community through offerings provided to community members, as well as hospitality, medical, safety, security, training, and facility costs that are for the benefit of our astronauts. |
| Selling, General and Administrative | Selling, General and AdministrativeSelling, general and administrative expenses consist of human capital related expenses for employees involved in general corporate functions, including executive management and administration, accounting, finance, tax, legal, information technology, marketing and commercial, and human resources; rent relating to facilities, including a portion of the lease with Spaceport America, and equipment; professional fees; and other general corporate costs. Human capital expenses primarily include salaries, cash bonuses, stock-based compensation and benefits. As we continue to grow as a company, we expect that our selling, general and administrative costs will increase on an absolute dollar basis. |
| Research and Development | Research and Development Research and development expense represents costs incurred to support activities that advance our human spaceflight system towards commercialization, including basic research, applied research, concept formulation studies, design, development, and related testing activities. Research and development costs consist primarily of the following costs for developing our spaceflight systems: • flight testing programs, including rocket motors, fuel, and payroll and benefits for pilots and ground crew performing test flights; • equipment, material, and labor hours (including from third-party contractors) for developing the spaceflight system’s structure, spaceflight propulsion system, and flight profiles; • rent, maintenance, and other overhead expenses allocated to the research and development departments; and • third-party fees to design and manufacture our next generation motherships, as well as manufacture key subassemblies for our next generation spaceships. |
| Income Taxes | Income TaxesThe Company records income tax expense for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations using the asset and liability method. Under this method, the Company recognizes deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, as well as for operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates that are expected to apply to taxable income for the years in which those tax assets and liabilities are expected to be realized or settled. The Company records valuation allowances to reduce its deferred tax assets to the net amount that it believes is more likely than not to be realized. Its assessment considers the recognition of deferred tax assets on a jurisdictional basis. Accordingly, in assessing its future taxable income on a jurisdictional basis, the Company considers the effect of its transfer pricing policies on that income. The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it believes that it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. As the Company expands, it will face increased complexity in determining the appropriate tax jurisdictions for revenue and expense items. The Company’s policy is to adjust these reserves when facts and circumstances change, such as the closing of a tax audit or refinement of an estimate. To the extent that the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will affect the income tax expense in the period in which such determination is made and could have a material impact on its financial condition and operating results. The income tax expense includes the effects of any accruals that the Company believes are appropriate, as well as the related net interest and penalties. |
| Concentrations of Credit Risks and Significant Vendors and Customers | Concentrations of Credit Risks and Significant Vendors and CustomersFinancial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a significant concentration of credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents and marketable securities. In respect to accounts receivable, we are not exposed to any significant credit risk to any single counterparty or any company of counterparties having similar characteristics. |
| Foreign Currency | Foreign CurrencyThe functional currency of our foreign subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom is the local currency. Assets and liabilities are translated to the United States dollar using the period-end rates of exchange. Revenue and expenses are translated to the United States dollar using average rates of exchange for the period. Exchange differences arising from this translation of foreign currency are recorded as other comprehensive income. |
| Stock-Based Compensation | Stock-Based Compensation We account for stock-based employee compensation under the fair value recognition and measurement provisions, in accordance with applicable accounting standards, which requires compensation expense for the grant-date fair value of stock-based awards to be recognized over the requisite service period. We account for forfeitures when they occur. Service-Based Awards We have estimated the fair value for each service-based option award as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The Black-Scholes option pricing model considers, among other factors, the expected life of the award and the expected volatility of our stock price. We recognize the stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period using the straight-line method for service condition only awards, which is generally a vesting term of four years. Service-based stock options typically have a contractual term of 10 years. The time-based stock options granted have an exercise price equal to the closing stock price of our common stock on the grant date. Compensation expense for restricted stock units ("RSUs") is based on the market price of the shares underlying the awards on the grant date. We recognize the stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period, which is generally a vesting term of four years. Performance-Based Awards We have granted performance-based stock options ("PSOs") with market-based conditions. The number of PSOs that will vest depends on the attainment of certain stock price goals. Vested options will be exercisable at any time until ten years from the grant date, subject to earlier expiration under certain terminations of service and other conditions. The PSOs granted have an exercise price equal to the closing stock price of our common stock on the grant |
| Reclassification | Reclassification Certain reclassifications of the components of operating loss for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 have been made to conform to the current period presentation included in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Specifically, cost of revenue has been reclassified to customer experience and gross margin is no longer presented. Customer experience expenses related to spaceflight operations include the consumption of a rocket motor and fuel and other consumables, as well as payroll and benefits for our pilots and ground crew. Customer experience expenses related to the payload cargo services, as well as engineering services, consist of materials and human capital, such as payroll and benefits, to perform these services. Additionally, customer experience expenses include costs associated with maintaining and growing our Future Astronaut community through offerings provided to community members, as well as hospitality, medical, safety, security, training, and facility costs that are for the benefit of our future astronauts. Additionally, depreciation and amortization expense are presented separately instead of included in selling, general and administrative or research and development expenses. These reclassifications had no impact on total loss as previously reported. |
| Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Recent Accounting Pronouncements In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740) , which affects general principles within Topic 740, and are meant to simplify and reduce the cost of accounting for income taxes. It removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and simplifies areas including franchise taxes that are partially based on income, transactions with a government that result in a step-up in the tax basis of goodwill, the incremental approach for intraperiod tax allocation, interim period income tax accounting for year-to-date losses that exceed anticipated losses and enacted changes in tax laws in interim periods. The Company adopted ASU 2019-12 effective January 1, 2021. The adoption of ASU 2019-12 did not have a material impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements. In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, Debt-with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging-Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40), which simplifies and clarifies certain calculation and presentation matters related to convertible equity and debt instruments. Specifically, ASU-2020-06 removes requirements to separately account for conversion features as a derivative under ASC Topic 815 and removing the requirement to account for beneficial conversion features on such instruments. It also provides clearer guidance surrounding disclosure of such instruments and provides specific guidance for how such instruments are to be incorporated in the calculation of diluted earnings per share. ASU 2020-06 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2020-06 effective January 1, 2022. In May 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-04, Earning Per Share (Topic 260) , Debt-Modifications and Extinguishments (Subtopic 470-50) , Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) , and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) , which clarified and reduced diversity in an issuer's accounting for modifications or exchanges of freestanding equity-classified written call options (such as warrants) that remain equity classified after modification or exchange. This update is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. The Company adopted ASU 2021-04 effective January 1, 2022. The adoption of ASU 2021-04 did not have a material impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements. |
