Virgin Galactic has named its first Delta-class spacecraft Apeiron, drawing on an ancient Greek term meaning ‘boundless’. The choice followed a public vote attracting thousands of responses across 83 countries and six continents. The company expects commercial operations to begin in early Q2 2027 at Spaceport America in New Mexico.
Apeiron will succeed VSS Unity, whose final commercial flight took place in June 2024. With six passenger seats rather than Unity’s four, the new vehicle will accommodate two additional paying customers per flight. Chief executive Michael Colglazier linked the name to the ambition of human spaceflight and the possibilities of exploration beyond familiar limits.
The spacecraft will retain Virgin Galactic’s air-launch method. After its carrier aircraft, Eve, releases it at approximately 50,000 feet, Apeiron will ignite its rocket motor and ascend towards suborbital space. Passengers will experience brief weightlessness before the vehicle returns through the atmosphere and glides to a runway landing, without completing an orbit.
Each Delta spacecraft is designed to operate up to eight flights monthly, a substantial increase over Unity’s frequency. Modular construction allows individual sections and systems to be manufactured and maintained separately, potentially simplifying production and reducing turnaround times. However, the projected rate remains a design target requiring demonstration through testing and commercial operations.
Engineers will verify Apeiron’s avionics software before flight testing, with additional software work and verification reflected in the revised schedule. A second Delta spacecraft is expected in Q2 or Q3 2027. Beyond private astronaut flights, Virgin Galactic intends to pursue scientific research and government missions.
