The “Pegasus,” Virgin Hyperloop’s train pod designed by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) and Kilo Design, recently completed its first human test in the Nevada desert, USA. This historic achievement marks a new era in land transportation, revolutionizing travel for the first time in over a century.
The Virgin Hyperloop, developed by BIG in partnership with Kilo, successfully tested the Pegasus capsule train, also known as the XP-2. This cutting-edge transportation system operates with speeds exceeding 1000 kilometers per hour, making it the fastest mode of land travel today. After more than a year of close collaboration, the first group of passengers experienced this innovative form of transportation at the 500-meter DevLoop testing site near Las Vegas.
Before this milestone, the company had conducted over 400 unmanned cabin tests. This human trial was overseen by an industry-recognized Independent Safety Assessor (ISA), confirming the Pegasus as the first fully operational human-driven travel system of its kind.
“Six years ago, we began working in a garage, and back then, boarding a Hyperloop train felt like a distant dream. Today, that dream has become reality — not just mine, but for a generation as ambitious as those who witnessed the moon landing. The collaboration between BIG and Kilo has unlocked a future where you can ‘appear’ wherever you want, no longer limited by traditional travel constraints. We’re not selling cars, ships, trains, or planes — we’re selling time.”
— Josh Giegel, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Virgin Hyperloop
Working with Virgin Hyperloop, we designed an eco-friendly transportation system comprised of a pod (vehicle) and a portal (track). This new model eliminates traditional ‘waiting rooms’ and waiting times altogether. BIG and Kilo were responsible for designing the first-use case pod, establishing the design language and features for future Virgin Hyperloop trains.
While future production vehicles will be larger, accommodating up to 28 passengers, the two-seat pods tested here demonstrate safe passenger travel on the Hyperloop system. The “Pegasus” is a pressure vessel designed from the inside out, representing a completely new type of vehicle. This design seamlessly integrates the pressure vessel and sled, combining performance with user-friendly aesthetics.
The Virgin Hyperloop has the potential to fundamentally transform human travel. Much like the instant access elevators in modern skyscrapers, it merges speed and distance to create an on-demand transportation system that moves passengers at supersonic speeds. It could also be implemented as an underground rail network connecting countries and continents, promoting more sustainable global travel.
“With this test’s success, I’m thrilled that Hyperloop travel has reached a pivotal milestone. I look forward to advancing our partnership further to bring this groundbreaking mode of travel to future generations.”
— Bjarke Ingels, Founder and Creative Director of BIG
The Hyperloop’s tubes operate in near-vacuum conditions, eliminating the need for aerodynamic considerations and allowing for sleek, stylish exterior designs. Compared to traditional systems, this technology greatly enhances energy efficiency. The use of maglev technology removes the need for wheels, enabling the pod to travel at maximum speed with full passenger or cargo loads.
The Pegasus pod rides on a single rail with a rapid arrival and departure system, supporting on-demand travel with high efficiency.
“When designing transportation for the future, the possibilities are endless. We must rethink traditional design approaches and draw inspiration from spacecraft engineering. The Hyperloop can transport passengers instantly from point A to point B, and the Pegasus test has confirmed that this journey is smooth and safe.”
— Jakob Lange, Partner at BIG
The pod’s shovel-shaped front naturally forms steps for easy boarding and exiting. Windows along the pod’s fairing and front door provide views into the tunnel, reflecting the sleek, streamlined capsule design of the Pegasus. The design highlights depth, structure, and clear entry points for the suspended cabin.
Inside, seats and armrests include features to assist boarding and disembarking, safety equipment storage, oxygen masks, and lighting. The seats are also designed for quick assembly and removal to allow equipment access behind them.
After undergoing rigorous safety checks, the Pegasus capsule demonstrated the Hyperloop’s safety systems under commercial conditions. These include advanced control systems capable of testing and responding to emergencies in real time. The 6-square-meter interior space is carefully designed to balance passenger comfort and safety with integrated furnishings.
This successful test was conducted under strict regulatory supervision. Just a month ago, Virgin Hyperloop unveiled the Hyperloop Certification Center (HCC), designed by BIG, located in West Virginia, USA. The HCC will facilitate future tests and certifications, paving the way for global Hyperloop system approvals.
The Pegasus capsule train is BIG’s second major transportation project announced this year. Following the unveiling of the Toyota Woven City in January—a city incubator for innovative mobility—BIG continues to push forward advancements in transportation design.
Project Information
Project Name: Virgin Atlantic Hyperloop Transportation System Pegasus Capsule Train
Pegasus Pod Area: 12 m²
Project Location: DevLoop Test Site, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Bidding Method: Direct commission
Client: Virgin Hyperloop
Partners: Aria Group (Manufacturing and Engineering Support), Kilo Design (Co-designer)
Lead Architects: Bjarke Ingels, Jakob Lange
Main Creative Team: Sören Grünert, Erik Berg Kreider
Design Team: BIG: Joshua Woo; Kilo: Lars Larsen, Philip Andersson, Laura Lebeau
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