Virgin Galactic Opens New Arizona Spaceship Factory
Virgin Galactic Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: SPCE) has announced the completion of a new manufacturing facility in Phoenix, Arizona. This multiuse facility includes two hangars equipped with multiple bays, offering flexibility in building and testing space vehicles. The facility will handle the final assembly of the Company’s next-generation Delta spaceships, with production slated to start in Q1 2025.
Operations at the facility will be enhanced by Virgin Galactic’s digital twin technology, facilitating real-time collaboration between the company and its suppliers to ensure strong governance, efficiency, and reliability. The initial team, comprising Virgin Galactic’s technical operations and manufacturing personnel, is currently preparing the facility for tooling installation, which is expected to begin arriving in Q4 2024.
The manufacturing process for Virgin Galactic’s Delta spaceships will be a highly sophisticated and streamlined operation. By next year, the Phoenix facility will start receiving major subassemblies, including the wing, fuselage, and feathering system, from various suppliers. These components will undergo rigorous quality checks and testing before being integrated into the final assembly line.
Using the latest in digital twin technology, Virgin Galactic’s engineers will work closely with suppliers to ensure seamless collaboration and real-time monitoring of the manufacturing process. This digital integration will enable virtual simulations, predictive maintenance, and optimized production schedules, enhancing efficiency and reliability.
Once the major subassemblies are received, the final assembly of the Delta spaceships will commence. Skilled technicians will meticulously join the components, adhering to stringent quality control measures and aerospace manufacturing standards. Advanced tooling and specialized equipment will be employed to ensure precision and accuracy during this critical phase.
Following the completion of the final assembly, the Delta spaceships will undergo a comprehensive series of ground tests within the facility’s hangars. These tests will include:
- Structural integrity assessments
- Systems integration and functionality checks
- Environmental simulations to replicate flight conditions
- Rigorous safety and performance evaluations
Only after successfully passing these exhaustive tests will the completed spaceships be cleared for transportation to Spaceport America in New Mexico, where they will undergo flight testing before commencing commercial operations in 2026.
