VIRGIN Galactic is about to start building a six-seater spaceplane that will blast cash-flush tourists into space.
The Delta SpaceShip is set for its first flight in 2026 – but tickets are expected to cost a whopping $600,000 per seat.
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Early trips will take scientific payloads to space for research in the summer.
But by the autumn of 2026, Sir Richard Branson’s spaceships are expected to be carrying members of the public.
Construction of the first spaceplane is due to kick off in March 2025.
Once built, the Delta SpaceShip will then undergo flight testing to make sure that it’s safe for humans to hop on board.
Virgin Galactic hasn’t completed a suborbital trip to space since June 2024.
But the Delta spacecraft will bring Virgin Galactic a step closer to becoming a space tourism giant.
It’s understood that Virgin Galactic already has a waiting list of 700 ticket holders.
This is expected to be cleared within a year, according to the space giant.
In 2022, Virgin Galactic said that it was hoping to build as many as “six new Delta Class ships per year”.
They’ll be constructed at a new Virgin Galactic facility in Arizona, USA.
“We are excited to share that our first spaceflight with our new Delta SpaceShips is planned for summer 2026,” said Virgin Galactic chief Michael Colglazier.
“This first spaceflight will carry scientific research, and we expect to begin private astronaut spaceflights in the fall of 2026.
“We have made tremendous progress with the fabrication of tools and parts, and assembly of the first SpaceShip begins next month in Phoenix.”
WHAT WILL A TRIP TO SPACE BE LIKE?
Virgin Galactic’s Delta trips are expected to launch from Spaceport America in New Mexico.
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The company describes the location as “your gateway to space”.
“The Gateway to Space at Spaceport America is our operational centre where our team of experts will guide you through curated activities to prepare your mind and body for spaceflight,” Virgin Galactic explains.
It’ll begin as early as a year in advance, where the company’s Astronaut Office will coordinate your trip to the New Mexico spaceport.
And you’ll also check in with the Chief Medical Officer to make sure that you’re fit to fly.
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Then five days before the flight, you’ll arrive at the New Mexico spaceport, where you can “settle into your luxury accommodations”.
Three days before the flight, you’ll meet with the Astronaut Instructors at Spaceport America.
They’ll show you your schedule, flight profile, spacesuit, and any other gear you’ll need to know about.
Two days before, you’ll go through cabin training.
SPACEPORT AMERICA – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Here’s a quick guide to the spaceport…
Spaceport America is an official spaceport in the USA that has been licensed by the FAA.
It’s located in the Jornada del Muerto (which translates as “Dead Man’s Route”) desert basin, around 45 miles north of Las Cruces, New Mexico.
The spaceport is owned by the State of New Mexico’s New Mexico Spaceport Authority.
And its tenants include Virgin Galactic, as well as UP Aerospace, HAPSMobile Aerovironment, and SpinLaunch.
The spaceport was officially opened in 2011, and was made accessible to the general public in 2015.
Virgin Galactic will use the spaceport as its main launch site for Delta SpaceShip trips.
Picture Credit: PA Press Association
This will include exploring a real-life mockup of the spaceship, so you can try strapping into your seat.
The day before blast off will include a final dress rehearsal. Virgin Galactic says this is for “ensuring you are comfortable with every detail during your spaceflight”.
Finally there’s Flight Day, which is where you take off and land back down at Spaceport America.
You’re also allowed to bring family members to watch, if you like.
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“While you participate in pre-flight readiness, your loved ones will enjoy curated activities, top-tier amenities, and most importantly, a front row seat on flight day,” Virgin Galactic said.
Of course Virgin Galactic isn’t the only company trying to turn space tourism into a business.
Blue Origin – owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos – has conducted several trips to the edge of space with civilians. Dozens of people have boarded these flights.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX also has big space tourism ambitions, and conducted the first civilian spacewalk in September last year.
