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."

FMI: www.scaled.com