BUZZ-Virgin Orbit falls after pushing first satellite launch date

** Satellite launch service provider's VORB.O shares down 5.9% at $9.95 premarket

** VORB tweeted it is now targeting to launch its third commercial flight on Thursday, with potential takeoff between 1300 and 1530 Pacific Time

** Co had earlier planned to launch satellites on Wednesday

** VORB says it is taking extra time to thoroughly validate the system and to check sensor readings

** Mission includes satellites from the U.S. Department of Defense Space Test Program, Polish company SatRevolution and Spire Global Inc. 

** Stock skyrocketed 40% to $11.28 on Tuesday, a day ahead the launch date planned earlier

** VORB is among the top trending cos on Stocktwits, a retail trader forum

** Up to last close, stock had risen ~10% since completed SPAC merger on Dec. 29

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru) ((Akash.Sriram@thomsonreuters.com;))