Virgin Galactic's VMS Eve Completes Functional Check Flight, Paving Way for 2026 Delta Class Operations

Virgin Galactic's carrier aircraft, VMS Eve, successfully completed a functional check flight, marking a significant step towards the company's planned resumption of spaceflight services in 2026. The company announced the flight on social media, stating, > "VMS Eve soars again! 🚀 Our launch vehicle is back in the skies, completing a functional check flight that paves the way for spaceflight in 2026!" This flight is critical as VMS Eve serves as the mothership for Virgin Galactic's spaceplanes, carrying them to launch altitude.

The successful flight of VMS Eve underscores Virgin Galactic's commitment to its 2026 timeline for the debut of its next-generation Delta class spacecraft. These new spaceplanes are designed for significantly higher flight frequency, aiming for up to eight missions per month, a substantial increase compared to the VSS Unity's previous cadence. The first Delta research flight is anticipated in summer 2026, with commercial astronaut missions following in the autumn.

Production of the Delta class spaceships is well underway at Virgin Galactic's new facility in Phoenix, Arizona, with key components like the wing assembly and fuselage expected to be completed by late 2025 or early 2026. The company is utilizing advanced manufacturing techniques, including digital twin technology, to streamline production and ensure efficiency. This shift to the Delta class represents a strategic move to enhance operational efficiency and profitability.

Financially, Virgin Galactic reported an improved adjusted EBITDA loss of -$52.2 million in Q2 2025, a 33.9% improvement year-over-year, with a cash balance of $508 million as of June 2025. The company projects that its cash burn will peak in 2025, with free cash flow expected to turn positive by 2027, driven by the higher flight rate and improved economics of the Delta class. Ticket prices for the new Delta flights are expected to exceed the previous $600,000 per seat.

Virgin Galactic is also exploring additional revenue streams and operational expansion. This includes a feasibility study for a second spaceport in Italy and the potential repurposing of its carrier aircraft for defense and research applications, under a concept called HALE-Heavy. These initiatives aim to diversify the company's business model and expand its market reach beyond space tourism.