Virgin Galactic unveils new spaceplane for tourist flights
The American company Virgin Galactic has unveiled Apeiron, the first next-generation Delta-class spaceplane designed for tourist flights to the edge of space.
The name Apeiron means 'infinite' in Ancient Greek. It was chosen through an international vote in which residents of 83 countries participated.
The spacecraft is designed to carry six passengers. During the flight, a special aircraft will lift it to a high altitude, after which the spaceplane will detach and continue its ascent using a rocket engine. Passengers will be able to see Earth from a great height and briefly experience weightlessness.
Apeiron has already been delivered to the spaceport in New Mexico for preparations ahead of testing. Virgin Galactic expects to resume commercial flights in the second quarter of 2027. In the future, the company plans to use each such spacecraft up to two times per week.
