Virgin Galactic moves new Apeiron spacecraft to Spaceport America

Virgin Galactic has completed the transfer of Apeiron, the first spacecraft of its new Delta-class fleet, to Spaceport America in New Mexico. The spacecraft was transported from the company’s facility in Mesa, Arizona, attached to the carrier aircraft Eve.

Apeiron is designed to carry six passengers and two pilots per flight, offering increased capacity compared to the previous VSS Unity. The company aims to operate up to two flights per week with a vehicle lifespan exceeding 500 missions, a move intended to scale operations and reduce costs. Commercial flights are projected to begin in the second quarter of 2027.

Demand for the service is significant, with approximately 700 customers reportedly already waiting. Ticket prices for the upcoming flights are expected to reach up to $850,000. Engineering teams will now focus on avionics software integration and flight test preparations at the New Mexico site.