Virgin Galactic Explores Launching Spaceflights from Italy

The company has partnered with Italy’s aviation authority to study the feasibility of suborbital flights from Grottaglie Spaceport, marking a potential first for European space tourism.

Virgin Galactic has signed an agreement with Italy's ENAC aviation regulator to evaluate launching suborbital spaceflights from Grottaglie Spaceport in southern Italy.
The study will be conducted in two phases, with the first phase focusing on technical and regulatory feasibility by the end of 2025.
If successful, the project could lead to multiple weekly commercial spaceflights, offering private customers and researchers access to suborbital experiences.
Grottaglie Airport has received €70 million in infrastructure upgrades to support its potential as a spaceport, including facilities and a 3,200-meter runway.
This initiative aligns with Virgin Galactic's broader plans to expand its space tourism operations globally, with the company also developing new Delta-class spaceplanes to increase flight frequency.