Virgin Galactic’s new shuttle launches twice weekly flights into space

delta-768x432
  • Reading Time:3Minutes

In a bold stride toward making space travel more accessible, Virgin Galactic has unveiled its ambitious plan to increase the frequency of its spaceflights with the introduction of the new Delta-class spacecraft. While the VSS Unity could accommodate flights roughly once a month, these cutting-edge shuttles are designed to operate multiple times a week, paving the way for a global network of spaceports that will transform commercial space travel.


Virgin Galactic, the space exploration company founded by Richard Branson, has launched 12 missions that have transported passengers to altitudes of approximately 88 kilometers, just below the internationally recognized Kármán line, which NASA acknowledges as the boundary of space.

These missions utilized the VSS Unity spaceplane, which is carried aloft by its VMS Eve “mothership” to an altitude of about 15 kilometers before detaching and continuing its journey. Passengers aboard the Unity experience the extraordinary sensation of weightlessness, offering them a rare perspective of Earth from space.


To date, the VSS Unity has completed 32 flights, with 12 of those reaching space and seven dedicated to carrying scientific payloads. A notable mission, Galactic 07, took place in June and featured scientific experiments such as testing a dosimeter (a device for measuring radiation exposure), a brain activity monitor, and insulin delivery devices.

The flight lasted 70 minutes, highlighting Unity’s versatility in conducting research. This mission marked Unity’s last commercial flight before transitioning to a testing and training role, as Virgin Galactic prepares to introduce the Delta-class spacecraft.


The Delta-class spacecraft represents a significant leap forward, primarily in terms of mission frequency. With advancements in refueling and technology, these shuttles will be capable of flying twice a week, a dramatic increase from the previous monthly schedule.

The Deltas are designed to carry six passengers or four passengers with additional scientific equipment, depending on mission requirements. Virgin Galactic’s overarching goal is to establish a widespread network of spaceports worldwide by deploying more Delta-class shuttles, thereby enhancing global access to space travel.


Construction of the Delta-class spacecraft is set to commence at Virgin Galactic’s facility in Arizona early next year. Following rigorous ground testing, the spacecraft will be transported by VMS Eve to Spaceport America in New Mexico. Here, after further evaluation, commercial operations are expected to begin by 2026. Initially, Virgin Galactic plans to build two Delta spacecraft, with plans for additional units as demand grows.


With up to eight flights per month on the horizon, Virgin Galactic aims to fulfill the dreams of those who secured their seats years ago, albeit the wait might still be lengthy due to the program’s immense popularity. Hundreds have already signed up, eager to embark on a journey that was once the realm of science fiction.


This expansion by Virgin Galactic marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of space tourism, offering more individuals the chance to experience the wonders of space and fostering a new era of commercial space exploration. By increasing the accessibility and frequency of space travel, Virgin Galactic is not only expanding the horizons of tourism but also contributing to scientific research and innovation.


Source: virgingalactic.com

Recent article

Additional aircraft News & Articles

Special flying robot goes to the Moon – sent up by China
read more

News & Articles Points of interest

Where is self-driving in modern aircraft ?
read more

Additional aircraft News & Articles

Boom XB-1 flies at supersonic speed for the first time
read more

News & Articles Points of interest

Can AI pilot a flying car better than a human?
read more

EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles

Airbus reassesses electric air taxi development
read more

EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles

Overcoming bottlenecks in eVTOL production
read more

Flying Cars News & Articles

The next era of mobility with Xpeng
read more

EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles

Trends in eVTOL technology
read more

News & Articles Propulsion-Fuel

What is SAF ?
read more

Electric airplane News & Articles

Regulatory and safety challenges for electric aviation
read more
More articles you may be interested in...

News & Articles Propulsion-Fuel

A planned hydrogen-powered plane could fly halfway around the Earth

The plane is still only a concept, but if it becomes a reality, 279 passengers will be able to fly from London to San Francisco without refuelling, and with zero emissions.

Flying Cars News & Articles

Generations dream come true: the luxury flying car

In an era where innovation defines the future, Samson Sky's Switchblade flying sports car emerges as a groundbreaking development, transcending>>> READ MORE

Additional aircraft News & Articles

Japan has successfully tested a rotary detonation engine in space

Air taxi News & Articles

Hybrid-powered air taxi presented by Czech engineers

The Czech startup Zuri, which develops eVTOLs, started the first tests of its long-range cruise>>> READ MORE

more

Drones News & Articles

Radiation-proof drones at the Arab nuclear power plant

The United Arab Emirates has announced that it will use drones to support the Arab world’s only peaceful nuclear energy program, the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi. Falcon Eye Drones, a leading drone company in the Middle East, is working to strengthen the>>> READ MORE

Flying Cars News & Articles

Aircraft flying car

News & Articles Propulsion-Fuel

Development of the hydrogen-electric ATR 72

Drones News & Articles

Expect lots of drones in the future

Drone freight transport is the future of the logistics sector, but the field needs urgent>>> READ MORE

more

Drones News & Articles

Loyal Wingman drone

Boeing has completed the first copy of the Loyal Wingman combat drone for Australia’s armed forces, produced in collaboration with local companies, and the test program may begin soon.