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Watch Virgin Galactic's new 'Delta-class' space plane take to the skies for the 1st time (video)
Space • • business
Key Points:
- Virgin Galactic's first Delta-class space plane, Apeiron, completed its maiden flight on October 28, traveling from Mesa, Arizona, to Spaceport America in New Mexico beneath its carrier aircraft, VMS Eve.
- Apeiron will undergo extensive testing at Spaceport America before starting commercial service in spring 2027, offering suborbital flights with six passengers and two pilots.
- The new Delta-class planes are designed for high-frequency operations, capable of flying twice a week with a lifetime exceeding 500 missions to support scaled commercial space tourism.
- Virgin Galactic has a significant backlog of nearly 700 ticket holders, with tickets priced between $750,000 and $850,000, reflecting strong demand for suborbital space tourism.
- Apeiron will be the first of a planned fleet of Delta-class space planes, with a second vehicle under construction and expected to enter service by mid-2027.
