Virgin Galactic’s Unity Spacecraft Nears Final Flight

Virgin Galactic has announced that its Unity spacecraft is set to embark on its last commercial journey, marking a significant milestone for the company. The Galactic 07 mission, scheduled for June 8, will be the second spaceflight in 2024 as well as the 12th and final flight of the Unity spacecraft before Virgin Galactic shifts its focus to its new Delta-class spacecraft.

During the Galactic 07 mission, one research astronaut from Axiom Space and three private astronauts will be on board. The private astronauts hail from California, New York, and Italy, although their identities have not been disclosed. Additionally, Purdue University and UC Berkeley will have autonomous payloads on the spacecraft as part of NASA’s Flight Opportunities program.

The Delta-class spacecraft, set to replace the Unity, will feature six seats and be capable of conducting up to eight spaceflights per month, a significant increase from Unity’s capacity of one flight per month.

Virgin Galactic’s financial performance has been under scrutiny, with the company’s shares experiencing fluctuations. However, despite founder Richard Branson’s decision against further investment, the company reported better-than-expected results in the fourth quarter of the previous year. Revenue increased to $3 million, primarily driven by commercial spaceflights and membership fees.

Virgin Galactic’s upcoming Galactic 07 mission will carry autonomous rack-mounted research payloads. Among these payloads, Purdue University’s experiment aims to study propellant slosh in fuel tanks of maneuvering spacecraft. Additionally, UC Berkeley’s payload will test a new form of 3D printing technology.

Virgin Galactic has a history of flying payloads for NASA’s Flight Opportunities program, dating back to the company’s inaugural spaceflight in 2018. Recently, NASA chose Virgin Galactic as a contracted flight provider for the next five years, highlighting the company’s ongoing contributions to space research and exploration.

With a cash position of $982 million and ongoing developments in its spacecraft fleet, Virgin Galactic remains focused on its long-term goals. CEO Michael Colglazier confirmed that the Delta Class spaceships are on track for ground and flight testing next year, with commercial service expected to commence in 2026.

As Virgin Galactic prepares for the final journey of the Unity spacecraft, the company’s transition to the Delta-class spacecraft marks a new chapter in its pursuit of space tourism and exploration.