

Glide flights support pilot training and proficiency



Ground crew, maintenance, and Mission Control teams build operational readiness ahead of new Spaceship operations



New Spaceship glide flights expected in Q3

<ul xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwlistdisc">
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Glide flights support pilot training and proficiency</i>

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Ground crew, maintenance, and Mission Control teams build operational readiness ahead of new Spaceship operations</i>

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">New Spaceship glide flights expected in Q3 2026; commercial spaceflight operations expected to begin Q4 2026</i>

</li>
</ul><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
In advance of the first flight test of Virgin Galactic's next generation Spaceship, the company announced today that VSS Unity, its prototype Spaceship, has returned to the skies above Spaceport America in New Mexico for the first of several anticipated glide flights. These flights are designed to prepare the company's pilots and operations teams ahead of new Spaceship operations.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"Unity&#39;s glide characteristics and energy-management profile provide an outstanding real-world proxy for our new Spaceship," said Virgin Galactic Spaceline President Mike Moses. "Using a proven vehicle in this way prepares our pilots and operations teams to move through flight testing for our new Spaceship more efficiently and with greater confidence than simulator training alone could provide.&#34;

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Unity&#39;s glide profile, landing approach and view from the cockpit match the new Spaceship, giving pilots live experience in the glide conditions they will encounter when the new vehicle takes flight.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The glide flights are as much about what happens on the ground as in the air. Ground crew, maintenance teams, and Mission Control are all running live operations, building the rhythm, muscle memory, and cross-team coordination needed to support an increasing cadence of spaceflight activity as the new Spaceship program advances.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Virgin Galactic expects to perform glide tests with the first of its new Spaceships in Q3 2026 and rocket-powered test flights to space in Q4 2026. These next-generation Spaceships are designed to fly twice per week with an expected vehicle lifetime of more than 500 missions – intended to unlock the economics of a spaceline built to be profitable at scale.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Virgin Galactic</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human-first spaceflight for private individuals, researchers, and governments with its advanced Spaceships and launch vehicle. Scale and profitability are driven by next-generation vehicles capable of taking humans to space at an unprecedented frequency with an industry-leading cost structure. You can find more information at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virgingalactic.com%2F&amp;esheet=54542847&amp;newsitemid=20260527635284&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virgingalactic.com%2F&amp;index=1&amp;md5=4468f0ef88078329a1bca541e58698b0" shape="rect">https://www.virgingalactic.com/</a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Forward-Looking Statements</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding Virgin Galactic's spaceflight systems, and planned timeline for glide flights, testing and commercial service using Virgin Galactic's Spaceships and preparation for Virgin Galactic's pilots and operations teams, are forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "potential," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "strategy," "future," "could," "would," "project," "plan," "target," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause Virgin Galactic's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to any delay in future testing or commercial flights of Virgin Galactic's spaceflight fleet, Virgin Galactic's ability to successfully develop and test its next generation vehicles, and the time and costs associated with doing so, Virgin Galactic's expected capital requirements and the availability of additional financing, and the other factors, risks and uncertainties included in Virgin Galactic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), accessible on the SEC's website at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov&amp;esheet=54542847&amp;newsitemid=20260527635284&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.sec.gov&amp;index=2&amp;md5=94d73a3ca08dc59e0b0c1a62b418cb54" shape="rect">www.sec.gov</a> and the Investor Relations section of Virgin Galactic's website at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virgingalactic.com&amp;esheet=54542847&amp;newsitemid=20260527635284&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.virgingalactic.com&amp;index=3&amp;md5=ba38da718ee9b57f2c1252a2997cf15a" shape="rect">www.virgingalactic.com</a>, which could cause its actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates as of the date of this press release. While Virgin Galactic may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it disclaims any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause its views to change.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260527635284r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwct31415"></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-phrase">View source version on businesswire.com: </span><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-link"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260527635284/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260527635284/en/</a></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">For media inquiries: 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Aleanna Crane - Vice President, Communications
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:news@virgingalactic.com" shape="rect">news@virgingalactic.com 
</a><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>575.800.4422

</p>

SPCE

VSS Unity Returns to the Skies In Preparation For New Spaceship Flight Test Program

Virgin Galactic advances glide tests for next-gen Spaceship with 2026 milestones

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>Glide flights support pilot training and proficiency



Ground crew, maintenance, and Mission Control teams build operational readiness ahead of new Spaceship operations



New Spaceship glide flights expected in Q3</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Virgin Galactic says VSS Unity completed the first glide flight to prepare pilots and ground teams for the next-gen Spaceship. Glide tests are slated for Q3 2026 with rocket-powered flights in Q4 2026, targeting a twice-weekly flight cadence and a 500+ mission lifetime to unlock scalable profitability.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Virgin Galactic begins glide flights for next-gen Spaceship.</li><li>Ground crews, maintenance, and Mission Control prep for operations.</li><li>Glide tests planned Q3 2026; rocket flights Q4 2026.</li><li>Vehicle aims for &gt;500 missions, enabling scalable profitability.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (SPCE)</strong>: Advancing glide tests for next-gen Spaceship; potential near-term catalysts for SPCE.</li><li><strong>Spaceport America (N/A)</strong>: Test operations conducted at Spaceport America; readiness on ground crews supports SPCE milestones.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Industry News</h3>
    <p>Industry News: reflects progress in Virgin Galactic&#039;s next-gen spaceflight program, a key driver of SPCE&#039;s fundamental outlook due to potential ramp in operating cadence and profitability.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Timeline points: Q3 2026 glide tests and Q4 2026 rocket flights.</li><li>Twice-weekly flights and 500+ mission lifetime target could drive pilot/ops economics.</li><li>Positive leadership commentary suggests efficiency gains vs. prior simulators.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>VSS Unity glide flights used as real-world proxy for the new Spaceship.</li><li>Glide tests planned for Q3 2026; rocket-powered space flights planned for Q4 2026.</li><li>Next-gen Spaceships designed for twice-weekly flights.</li><li>Vehicle lifetime expected to exceed 500 missions.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Bullish on SPCE if glide-test progress persists into 2026; catalysts expected in Q3-Q4 2026.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<ul xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwlistdisc">
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Glide flights support pilot training and proficiency</i>

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Ground crew, maintenance, and Mission Control teams build operational readiness ahead of new Spaceship operations</i>

</li>
<li xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">New Spaceship glide flights expected in Q3 2026; commercial spaceflight operations expected to begin Q4 2026</i>

</li>
</ul><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
In advance of the first flight test of Virgin Galactic's next generation Spaceship, the company announced today that VSS Unity, its prototype Spaceship, has returned to the skies above Spaceport America in New Mexico for the first of several anticipated glide flights. These flights are designed to prepare the company's pilots and operations teams ahead of new Spaceship operations.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"Unity&#39;s glide characteristics and energy-management profile provide an outstanding real-world proxy for our new Spaceship," said Virgin Galactic Spaceline President Mike Moses. "Using a proven vehicle in this way prepares our pilots and operations teams to move through flight testing for our new Spaceship more efficiently and with greater confidence than simulator training alone could provide.&#34;

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Unity&#39;s glide profile, landing approach and view from the cockpit match the new Spaceship, giving pilots live experience in the glide conditions they will encounter when the new vehicle takes flight.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
The glide flights are as much about what happens on the ground as in the air. Ground crew, maintenance teams, and Mission Control are all running live operations, building the rhythm, muscle memory, and cross-team coordination needed to support an increasing cadence of spaceflight activity as the new Spaceship program advances.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Virgin Galactic expects to perform glide tests with the first of its new Spaceships in Q3 2026 and rocket-powered test flights to space in Q4 2026. These next-generation Spaceships are designed to fly twice per week with an expected vehicle lifetime of more than 500 missions – intended to unlock the economics of a spaceline built to be profitable at scale.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Virgin Galactic</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Virgin Galactic is an aerospace and space travel company, pioneering human-first spaceflight for private individuals, researchers, and governments with its advanced Spaceships and launch vehicle. Scale and profitability are driven by next-generation vehicles capable of taking humans to space at an unprecedented frequency with an industry-leading cost structure. You can find more information at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virgingalactic.com%2F&amp;esheet=54542847&amp;newsitemid=20260527635284&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virgingalactic.com%2F&amp;index=1&amp;md5=4468f0ef88078329a1bca541e58698b0" shape="rect">https://www.virgingalactic.com/</a>.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Forward-Looking Statements</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical fact, including, without limitation, statements regarding Virgin Galactic's spaceflight systems, and planned timeline for glide flights, testing and commercial service using Virgin Galactic's Spaceships and preparation for Virgin Galactic's pilots and operations teams, are forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "may," "will," "estimate," "potential," "continue," "anticipate," "intend," "expect," "strategy," "future," "could," "would," "project," "plan," "target," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, though not all forward-looking statements use these words or expressions. These statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause Virgin Galactic's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including but not limited to any delay in future testing or commercial flights of Virgin Galactic's spaceflight fleet, Virgin Galactic's ability to successfully develop and test its next generation vehicles, and the time and costs associated with doing so, Virgin Galactic's expected capital requirements and the availability of additional financing, and the other factors, risks and uncertainties included in Virgin Galactic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in its other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), accessible on the SEC's website at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sec.gov&amp;esheet=54542847&amp;newsitemid=20260527635284&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.sec.gov&amp;index=2&amp;md5=94d73a3ca08dc59e0b0c1a62b418cb54" shape="rect">www.sec.gov</a> and the Investor Relations section of Virgin Galactic's website at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.virgingalactic.com&amp;esheet=54542847&amp;newsitemid=20260527635284&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=www.virgingalactic.com&amp;index=3&amp;md5=ba38da718ee9b57f2c1252a2997cf15a" shape="rect">www.virgingalactic.com</a>, which could cause its actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements made in this press release. Any such forward-looking statements represent management's estimates as of the date of this press release. While Virgin Galactic may elect to update such forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it disclaims any obligation to do so, even if subsequent events cause its views to change.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260527635284r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwct31415"></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-phrase">View source version on businesswire.com: </span><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-link"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260527635284/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260527635284/en/</a></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">For media inquiries: 
</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Aleanna Crane - Vice President, Communications
<br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:news@virgingalactic.com" shape="rect">news@virgingalactic.com 
</a><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>575.800.4422

</p>

Virgin Galactic says VSS Unity completed the first glide flight to prepare pilots and ground teams for the next-gen Spaceship. Glide tests are slated for Q3 2026 with rocket-powered flights in Q4 2026, targeting a twice-weekly flight cadence and a 500+ mission lifetime to unlock scalable profitability.

VSS Unity Returns to the Skies In Preparation For New Spaceship Flight Test Program

AI Summary

Sentiment Rationale

Trading Thesis

Market-Moving

Key Facts

Companies Mentioned

Industry News

Related News