Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc (SPCE) said Monday that its lead next-generation Spaceship is scheduled to arrive at Spaceport America in New Mexico on Oct. 28, marking the start of flight test preparations.

The company now expects the lead Spaceship's first commercial flight in early Q2 2027, while the second Spaceship is expected to begin commercial operations in late Q2 or early Q3 2027.

The updated timeline reflects additional time for avionics software integration and validation.

Virgin Galactic also said it is moving more than 100 members of its astronaut community into readiness and preparation activities ahead of its planned commercial operations.