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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [TECHNOLOGY]
2 clusters · 12 sources · 8 days · First seen · Last updated
Virgin Galactic Delta-class spacecraft deployment
Overview
Virgin Galactic has completed the delivery of Apeiron, the first spacecraft in its new Delta-class fleet, to Spaceport America in New Mexico. The vehicle was transported from the company’s facility in Mesa, Arizona, via a captive-carry flight attached to the carrier aircraft, Eve.
The Delta-class fleet is designed for high-frequency commercial operations, with the capacity to carry six passengers and two pilots per flight. This represents an increase in capacity and cadence compared to the retired VSS Unity. The company aims to operate up to two flights per week, with a target vehicle lifespan exceeding 500 missions.
Commercial passenger flights are projected to resume in the second quarter of 2027, following testing programs involving avionics software validation and flight tests. With approximately 700 customers reportedly on a waiting list, a second Delta-class spacecraft is already under assembly to help meet demand. Ticket prices for these upcoming flights are expected to reach up to $850,000.
Entities
Michael Colglazier · Apeiron · Spaceport America · Virgin Galactic · New Mexico
Timeline
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[TECHNOLOGY] 2 sourcesVirgin Galactic moves new Apeiron spacecraft to Spaceport America
Virgin Galactic has moved its new Apeiron spacecraft to New Mexico, aiming to begin commercial flights for up to six passengers per trip by the second quarter of 2027.
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[TECHNOLOGY] 10 sourcesVirgin Galactic delivers Apeiron spacecraft to New Mexico
Virgin Galactic has delivered its first Delta-class spacecraft, Apeiron, to New Mexico, targeting a return to commercial space tourism in early Q2 2027 with high-frequency flight capabilities.
Sources
a21.com.mx · checkout.com · clubic.com · forbesliberia.com · hna.de · keeptrack.space · kob.com · leinetal24.de · leonarddavid.com · newatlas.com · techeblog.com · travelandtourworld.com