Key facts
- Apeiron will undergo further testing, including captive carry and drop tests, before its first powered test flight.
- Virgin Galactic anticipates Apeiron's first commercial spaceflight in early Q2 2027.
- The company's stock has fallen from a high of $1,118 a share in 2021 to around $2.50 a share.
Virgin Galactic's latest spaceship, named Apeiron, has been transported to Spaceport America in New Mexico. This move marks a significant step towards the company's commercial space tourism ambitions. Engineers will complete avionics and software work, followed by ground tests, captive carry tests, a drop test, and a powered test flight above 80 km. The company projects its first commercial spaceflight to occur in early the second quarter of 2027. Despite considerable skepticism about the commercial viability of suborbital space tourism, Virgin Galactic's success hinges on its vehicles operating with high durability to fly hundreds of people to space annually. The company's stock valuation has drastically decreased from a peak of $1,118 a share in 2021 to approximately $2.50 a share.