Virgin Galactic is exploring the establishment of a new space tourism base in Italy, which could enable crewed launches in Europe for the first time.

The company has signed an agreement with Italy's ENAC civil aviation authority to evaluate the feasibility of operating missions from Grottaglie Spaceport in Puglia.

This feasibility study will be conducted in two phases, with the first phase focusing on technical assessments such as airspace compatibility and infrastructure needs, expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Following the technical evaluation, the second phase will analyze the economic impact and benefits for the local community, including workforce needs.

CEO Michael Colglazier highlighted the significance of this agreement as a step towards Virgin Galactic's first spaceport outside the United States, emphasizing the importance of expanding spaceports globally.

Currently, Virgin Galactic is focused on developing its Delta-class suborbital spaceplanes at Spaceport America in New Mexico, with plans to conduct 275 flights annually, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue.

Despite having $744 million in cash reserves, the company has struggled to achieve profitability, with ticket prices for its upcoming Delta spaceships set to reach $600,000 per passenger.

If the feasibility study is successful, operations from the Italian spaceport could begin in four to five years, with plans for multiple flights per week for private customers and research.

The Italian government has allocated 70 million euros to enhance Grottaglie Airport's infrastructure, reinforcing the region's commitment to developing a space economy.

Designated as a commercial spaceport in 2018, Grottaglie Spaceport is the first horizontal spaceport in Italy and the EU, aimed at facilitating suborbital flights.

All previous Virgin Galactic flights have launched from New Mexico, marking this potential Italian base as a significant expansion of their operations.

Colglazier expressed excitement about the prospect of customers witnessing Italy from space, underscoring the iconic views that the spacecraft will offer.