Fri, Dec 19, 2003
Paul G. Allen Confirmed as Long-Rumored Sponsor of
SpaceShipOne
Billionaire investor and
former Microsoft guru Paul G. Allen Thursday confirmed speculation
that he is indeed the long-rumored sponsor behind the innovative
SpaceShipOne project, which broke the sound barrier today
during its first manned test flight.
SpaceShipOne and its White Knight turbojet
launch aircraft represent the first private non-government effort
to demonstrate a low-cost manned space effort.
SpaceShipOne is a contender for the coveted X-prize.
"Being able to watch (Wednesday's) successful test flight in
person was really an overwhelming and awe-inspiring experience. I'm
so proud to be able to support the work of Burt Rutan and his
pioneering team at Scaled Composites," said Allen, who has funded
the effort since he and Rutan joined forces in March of 2001.
"As we celebrate the centennial of flight, it's wonderful to be
able to capture the spirit of innovation and exploration in
aviation. SpaceShipOne is a tangible example of continuing
humankind's efforts to travel into space, and effectively
demonstrating that private, non-government resources can make a big
difference in this field of discovery and invention."
"Today's milestone and the SpaceShipOne project would
never have been possible without Paul's tremendous support," said
Burt Rutan, the acclaimed inventor and aerospace engineer who leads
the project along with his research and development team at Scaled
Composites, which Rutan founded. "Paul shares our energy and
passion for not only supporting one-of-a-kind research, but also a
vision of how this kind of space program can shape the future and
inspire people around the world."
More News
From 2023 (YouTube Version): Legacy of a Titan Robert (Bob) Anderson Hoover was a fighter pilot, test pilot, flight instructor, and air show superstar. More so, Bob Hoover was an i>[...]
Get The Latest in Aviation News NOW on Instagram Are you on Instagram yet? It's been around for a few years, quietly picking up traction mostly thanks to everybody's new obsession >[...]
Aero Linx: B-52H Stratofortress The B-52H Stratofortress is a long-range, heavy bomber that can perform a variety of missions. The bomber is capable of flying at high subsonic spee>[...]
Altimeter Setting The barometric pressure reading used to adjust a pressure altimeter for variations in existing atmospheric pressure or to the standard altimeter setting (29.92).>[...]
"Knowing that we play an active part in bettering people's lives is extremely rewarding. My team and I are very thankful for the opportunity to be here and to help in any way we ca>[...]