AssetID: 54590607
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Virgin Galactic's New Spacecraft Set To Fly In 2026
Caption: Virgin Galactic's new Delta spacecraft is edging closer to the stars, its first flight due to depart in summer of 2026, according to a statement from the company. The space tourism firm, founded by Sir Richard Branson in 2004, has been working on the upgraded Delta spacecraft, which is designed to carry up to six passengers – two more than previous models. The first missions, however, will focus on carrying scientific research cargo. Virgin Galactic is set to begin assembling the spacecraft next month in Phoenix. "We are excited to share that our first spaceflight with our new Delta SpaceShips is planned for summer 2026. This first spaceflight will carry scientific research, and we expect to begin private astronaut spaceflights in the autumn of 2026," said Michael Colglazier, Virgin Galactic's CEO. "We have made tremendous progress with the fabrication of tools and parts, and assembly of the first SpaceShip begins next month." The first suborbital flight will mark the company's return to space after nearly a two-year hiatus. Virgin Galactic last sent a crew to the edge of space in June 2024. The company aims to begin private passenger flights later in 2026, with tickets priced at approximately $600,000 (£470,000). Virgin Galactic currently has a waiting list of around 700 customers but expects the new Delta craft will help clear the backlog within a year. Virgin Galactic made history with its first commercial spaceflight in June 2023, when the VSS Unity took off from New Mexico and returned safely after a 90-minute journey with four passengers on board. Since then, the company has completed 12 successful spaceflights but paused operations after the June 2024 mission to focus on developing the Delta.
Keywords: feature,video,photo,virgin galactic,spaceflight,spcecraft,space,astronomy
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