Virgin Galactic is asking the public to help name its new Delta class spaceship. Voting is open through August 27 to everyone ages 13 and up. The four name options are Horizon, Explorer, Ascend, and Apeiron. “We encourage everyone… from lifelong space enthusiasts to those simply inspired by what’s possible, to participate,” reads a Virgin Galactic release. “This is a rare chance to help shape a piece of spaceflight history.”\n\nThe first Space Ship Two was christened Enterprise in 2009.

Tragically, VSS Enterprise was lost on October 31, 2014, during its fourth powered test flight, killing co-pilot Michael Alsbury. Virgin Galactic returned to flight with its second Space Ship Two, named Unity. The company chose Unity based on messages of support urging them to continue after the disaster.

One message came from astrophysicist Stephen Hawking, who wrote, “We are entering a new space age and I hope this will help to create a new unity.”\n\nIn March 2021, Virgin Galactic debuted VSS Imagine, its first Space Ship III. VSS Inspire was also announced but canceled in 2024 in favor of the Delta-class design. Now, the company is seeking public input for the next chapter in its spaceflight history.