Virgin Galactic has returned its VSS Unity prototype to flight operations at Spaceport America in New Mexico.
The series of glide flights will serve as a training program for pilots, ground crews, and mission control teams. These operations are not for commercial passengers.
VSS Unity was previously retired from commercial service in June 2024. The company reactivated the vehicle because its landing approach mirrors the upcoming Delta class fleet.
The training initiative aims to build operational proficiency before the new fleet debuts. Virgin Galactic expects to begin glide tests for the first Delta spaceship in the third quarter of 2026.
Commercial operations for the Delta class are scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.