Virgin Galactic names new spaceship Apeiron, pushes launch to Q2 2027
Virgin Galactic has unveiled Apeiron, the first of its new Delta-class spacecraft, chosen by public poll. The company says the ship is departing its Mesa, Arizona factory for Spaceport America, but commercial spaceflight is now pushed to early Q2 2027, with a second ship following by late Q2 or early Q3 2027.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The delay marks yet another slip in Virgin Galactic's timeline, extending a service gap that has already lasted more than two years since its last commercial flight in June 2024. Continued postponements could strain investor patience and customer confidence as rivals in commercial space tourism move forward, though the company attributes the holdup to necessary avionics testing rather than broader setbacks.
- Virgin Galactic's new Delta-class spaceship is named Apeiron via public vote.
- Commercial spaceflight is now delayed to early Q2 2027, pushed back from a previously announced February 2027 target.
- Apeiron is being transported to Spaceport America for avionics software validation and flight testing.
Source: theverge.com — Stevie Bonifield, 2026-10-28
Published there as: “Here’s Virgin Galactic’s new Apeiron spaceship”
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