Virgin Galactic delays commercial spaceflight restart to Q2 2027

Virgin Galactic (SPCE) said Monday its first next-generation spaceship is scheduled to arrive at Spaceport America in New Mexico on October 28, marking a transition from manufacturing to flight test preparations as the company pushes back its timeline for resuming commercial spaceflights.

The spacecraft will travel from the company's factory in Mesa, Arizona, attached to its Eve carrier aircraft for a captive-carry flight. Virgin Galactic also plans to unveil the spaceship's name, selected through a public vote involving participants from more than 80 countries.

The company now expects its first commercial flight using the new spacecraft in early second-quarter 2027, while a second spaceship is scheduled to enter commercial service in late second-quarter or early third-quarter 2027. The revised schedule reflects additional time needed to complete avionics software integration and validation.

For investors, the updated timeline underscores the execution risks facing Virgin Galactic (SPCE) as it works to resume revenue-generating space tourism flights. Delays in deploying its next-generation fleet could prolong the company's period of limited commercial flight revenue and increase pressure on its cash resources as development and testing continue.

Chief Executive Michael Colglazier described the spacecraft's arrival at Spaceport America as a milestone in the company's effort to establish regular commercial spaceflight operations.

Virgin Galactic (SPCE) said it's preparing more than 100 prospective passengers for flights, with additional groups expected to follow. Meanwhile, its Arizona factory will focus on completing structural testing, assembling the second spaceship and preparing a rocket motor production line.

The company expects to provide additional details about its flight testing schedule and financial outlook during its third-quarter earnings call in November.