Virgin Galactic Moves New Spacecraft to New Mexico

The Apeiron craft heads to Spaceport America to begin a rigorous flight test program ahead of a projected 2027 service restart.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Space

Virgin Galactic Moves New Spacecraft to New Mexico

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Virgin Galactic has transported its first Delta-class spacecraft, named Apeiron, from its Arizona factory to Spaceport America in New Mexico. The vehicle will undergo a series of technical installations and flight tests to prepare for commercial suborbital operations.

Why it matters

This move signals a shift toward resuming suborbital tourism in the United States, a sector that has seen no flights in the last 10 months. The successful deployment of this new class of vehicle is critical for the company to return to flight following the retirement of its previous spacecraft.

The craft requires a series of avionics and software installations before it can perform its first powered test flight. These systems follow the retirement of the VSS Unity, which completed its final suborbital flight in June 2024.

The players

Virgin Galactic

A private spaceflight company developing suborbital vehicle technology and space tourism services.

SpaceX

An aerospace manufacturer and satellite operator that completed its final free-flyer Crew Dragon mission in 2025.

Blue Origin

An aerospace company that paused its New Shepard space tourism program in early 2026.

The details

Apeiron will be integrated with its carrier aircraft, VMS Eve, to facilitate high-altitude launches. Engineers must conduct a rigorous series of ground tests and captive carry tests—flights where the spacecraft remains attached to the carrier ship—before moving to an unpowered drop test. Finally, the team will transition to powered flights to reach suborbital altitudes, marking a new phase of testing for the Delta-class architecture.

2021: Virgin Galactic stock reached a peak of $1,118 per share.
June 2024: The VSS Unity completed its final suborbital flight.
April 2025: SpaceX concluded its final free-flyer Crew Dragon mission.
January 2026: Blue Origin paused its New Shepard tourism program.
October 28, 2026: Apeiron was named and transported to New Mexico.

The Tech Race

Virgin Galactic is attempting to re-establish its presence in a dormant US space tourism market. It follows the recent suspension of Blue Origin's New Shepard flights and the conclusion of the VSS Unity era.

The company expects to begin flying paying customers on suborbital missions within 12 to 18 months following the completion of test milestones. Interested participants should monitor updates on the company's progress toward powered flight trials.

The takeaway

The move to New Mexico signals that the Delta-class program is finally moving from the factory floor to the flight line. Watch for the results of the upcoming drop tests, which are necessary prerequisites for the company's goal of resuming commercial service in 2027.