Virgin Galactic says it remains on track to begin scheduled commercial spaceflights in Q4 2026. Tickets are expected to go on sale in early 2026, and private astronaut missions will follow initial research flights by about six to eight weeks. Current private-seat fares are roughly $600,000; commercial pricing has not yet been announced. The company anticipates most current customers will travel in 2027 as capacity ramps up.
Virgin Galactic Aims to Launch Commercial Spaceflights in Q4 2026 — Tickets Expected Early 2026
Virgin Galactic says it remains on track to begin scheduled commercial spaceflights in Q4 2026. Tickets are expected to go on sale in early 2026, and private astronaut missions will follow initial research flights by about six to eight weeks. Current private-seat fares are roughly $600,000; commercial pricing has not yet been announced. The company anticipates most current customers will travel in 2027 as capacity ramps up.
11:20 PM, 11/15/2025Technology
Virgin Galactic on Track to Begin Commercial Spaceflights in Q4 2026
Virgin Galactic reported positive fourth-quarter results and says it remains on schedule to begin scheduled commercial flights in the fourth quarter of 2026. The company has already flown private individuals to space and is transitioning to regular, ticketed service.
Timeline and operations
Preparations are underway, and Virgin Galactic expects to put commercial tickets on sale in the early months of 2026. The company plans to conduct private astronaut missions about six to eight weeks after completing its initial research flights.
“We’ve reached an exciting stage in our SpaceShip program, with our production checklist growing shorter by the week and our first commercial spaceflight continuing to track for Q4 2026,” said Michael Colglazier, Chief Executive Officer of Virgin Galactic.
Virgin Galactic expects most of its current customers to schedule their journeys in 2027 as the company ramps up capacity. The firm says the boosted flight-rate capability of its launch vehicle, together with the quick turnaround expected from its first two SpaceShips, should allow flight frequency to increase relatively quickly.
Pricing
Today’s private-seat fares have run about $600,000 per person. Virgin Galactic has not yet announced pricing for regular commercial sales.
Regulatory note
FAA eases flight cuts to 3 percent — a brief regulatory update included in company reporting that may affect operational planning. (Details were not expanded in the company statement.)
As Virgin Galactic moves from private missions to scheduled commercial service, the company will be watched closely by customers, regulators and investors alike as it scales up operations for routine suborbital tourism.
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