Virgin Galactic on Oct. 28 flew Apeiron, the lead spaceship in its next-generation fleet, to Spaceport America in New Mexico, its permanent home and base of operations, the company said. The spaceship stayed mated to Eve, Virgin Galactic's launch vehicle, for a captive-carry ferry from Mesa, Arizona.
Earlier that day, Virgin Galactic named and revealed the spaceship in completed livery for the first time at its Spaceship Factory in Mesa, the company said. Apeiron, ancient Greek for "boundless," was chosen by public vote, with people from more than 80 countries taking part, according to Virgin Galactic.
Virgin Galactic said Apeiron departed Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport at 10:29 a.m. MST, mated to Eve, and landed at Spaceport America at 12:59 p.m. MDT. Pilot in Command Michael Masucci and Pilot Dan Alix flew Eve, with Flight Test Engineer Tori Crichton on board, the company said.