Watch Virgin Galactic's new 'Delta-class' space plane take to the skies for the 1st time (video) (Space.com)
GRANT BRICKMAN: Virgin Galactic's new Apeiron space plane has flown for the first time, under the wing of its carrier.
GRETA FOOTNOTE: Now the full story. We showed you Apeiron on Wednesday. Since then it has flown for the first time, from Arizona to New Mexico. ▶
GRANT BRICKMAN: A spaceship has flown. Splendid. Did it reach space, Greta? I want the altitude, the view, a commemorative mug. ▶
GRETA FOOTNOTE: It flew beneath its carrier aircraft, VMS Eve, from Mesa, Arizona to Spaceport America. Think ferry, Grant, not rocket. ▶
LYLE HOTCHKISS: It hitched a lift under another plane. Columbus would have sued the carpool. ▶
PRUDENCE NUANCE: Years in the making, said the CEO. Also, strictly speaking, a lift. ▶
GRETA FOOTNOTE: The company says Apeiron, Greek for Boundless, now goes through a series of checks and tests at Spaceport America. ▶
LYLE HOTCHKISS: One state over in a whole day, a scandal! Although, no, a first flight like that is perfectly sensible. ▶
PRUDENCE NUANCE: Early Q2 2027 for commercial flights, we reported. Those checks decide whether that holds. ▶
GRANT BRICKMAN: Two views, no agreement, just how I like a panel. Viewers, cast your vote. ▶
GRETA FOOTNOTE: Apeiron is at Spaceport America, the tests are ahead, and the real flights are still to come. ▶