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."
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