Virgin Galactic Prepares For Final Unity Flight, Delays New Mothership, Reveals Updated Ops Strategy

Virgin Galactic to intensify the use of its current "mothership" aircraft, VMS Eve, in tandem with its upcoming Delta-class suborbital spaceplanes, as delay building of new "mothership" plane.

Virgin Galactic has revealed their intention to escalate flights of VMS Eve, projecting up to 125 flights annually once commercial service of the Delta spaceplanes commences in 2026. This elevated flight rate, accounting for two Delta spaceplanes in operation, marks a 50% increase from all previous estimates.

The decision to leverage VMS Eve more extensively stems from a meticulous assessment of its performance during recent flights, primarily carrying the VSS Unity. The implementation of a targeted maintenance plan and operations schedule based on the aircraft's performance, indicates its readiness for increased utilization.

Virgin Galactic has also confirmed its revised strategy regarding the development of a new mothership, originally intended to replace Eve. Citing the need to manage capital effectively, the company postponed the next mothership program, pushing its anticipated service entry to no earlier than 2028.

This shift in focus aligns with Virgin Galactic's efforts to conserve cash and prioritize the development of Delta-class spaceplanes. The decision follows a legal dispute with Boeing, initiated when Boeing sued Virgin Galactic in March for alleged non-payment of invoices and intellectual property misappropriation related to the aborted mothership project. Virgin Galactic responded with counterclaims, asserting Boeing's inadequate performance under the contract.

Despite the legal wrangling, Virgin Galactic says the Boeing dispute would not impede their progress on the mothership program.

The upcoming Galactic 07 flight by VSS Unity, will carry four passengers at an average seat price exceeding $800,000. Scheduled for no earlier than June 8, the Galactic 07 flight will mark the final journey of VSS Unity, as Virgin Galactic shifts its focus to developing Delta-class vehicles.

Following its final flight, Unity will remain stationed at Spaceport America for training purposes.