Virgin Galactic shares surged 23% at market open on June 1, extending a 36% rally from the previous session. The stock's recent momentum has been fueled by speculation surrounding a potential SpaceX IPO, which has led retail investors to view Virgin Galactic as a proxy for SpaceX, sparking a meme-driven buying spree. Additionally, Virgin Galactic's recent successful glide tests of its VSS Unity spacecraft have marked a significant step towards its planned commercial flights in 2026, contributing to investor optimism. Trading volume reached nearly 180 million shares last Friday, indicating heightened interest. Despite the excitement, Virgin Galactic remains unprofitable and subject to high volatility, with investors advised to watch for further developments in the space sector.