Abu Dhabi state fund Mubadala Investment Co on Friday reported an over 7% stake in space tourism company Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc.

The fund said it acquired the shares for investment purposes, according to a regulatory filing.

Earlier this week, Virgin Galactic said its billionaire founder Richard Branson will fly into space on its rocketship early next year. The company had also said it would raise new funds with a share offering.

(Reporting by Ayanti Bera in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber) ((Ayanti.Bera@thomsonreuters.com; 646 223 8780 - 3401;))