Virgin Galactic shares a 1st look at its new spaceplane, SpaceShip
By Eric Lagatta
Published on May 6, 2026.
Virgin Galactic has unveiled its new "Delta class" spaceplane, designed for faster turnaround between missions, and plans to resume commercial spaceflights by the end of 2026 after a two-year hiatus. The new spaceplane can carry six passengers and is expected to fly up to eight missions per month from New Mexico. Virgin Galactic, founded by billionaire Richard Branson, hasn't flown a mission in nearly two years after completing 12 flights to the edge of space. The company's launch comes as its main competitor, Blue Origin, suspended its own space tourism program, leaving the market wide open for Virgin Galactic.
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