Virgin Galactic's new Delta-class space plane flies for the first time

The ship, named Apeiron, flew this week beneath its carrier aircraft, VMS Eve, from Mesa, Arizona, to Spaceport America in New Mexico.

Apeiron will undergo tests before commercial service, planned for the spring of 2027. It is built for six passengers and two pilots, and the company says it can fly twice a week.

Ticket-holders waiting to fly

Nearly 700 according to the company

Nearly 700 ticket-holders are waiting to fly, the company said. A second Delta ship is under construction and is expected to enter service in mid-2027.