Virgin Galactic has returned its VSS Unity spaceship to flight operations above Spaceport America in New Mexico as part of preparations for testing its next-generation spacecraft. The company announced that Unity conducted glide flights designed to train pilots and operations teams ahead of new spaceship operations.

The glide flights serve as training for the company's flight crews and ground operations teams. According to Virgin Galactic Spaceline President Mike Moses, Unity's flight characteristics provide a proxy for the new spaceship, offering pilots experience with glide conditions they will encounter with the next-generation vehicle.

The operations involve ground crew, maintenance teams, and Mission Control running live operations to build coordination for future spaceflight activities. Virgin Galactic stated that Unity's glide profile, landing approach and cockpit view match those of the new spaceship.

The company expects to perform glide tests with its first new spaceship in the third quarter of 2026, followed by rocket-powered test flights to space in the fourth quarter of 2026. Virgin Galactic plans to begin commercial spaceflight operations in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The next-generation spaceships are designed to fly twice per week with a vehicle lifetime of more than 500 missions. Virgin Galactic stated these vehicles are intended to support profitable operations at scale.

The information was provided in a company press release.