The Stratolaunch

From behind, the Stratolaunch looks like a glider. But from the front, it’s a whole different appearance.

The Microsoft CEO saw Stratolaunch as an entry into the frontier of space travel, despite putting forth a lofty investment.

Allen said, “you have a certain number of dreams in your life that you want to fulfill, and this is a dream that I’m very excited about seeing come to fruition.”

Paul Allen's Vision

Considering the project’s construction began in 2015, it’s remarkable how quickly the Stratolaunch is being built.

Allen is very hands-on, making sure that his project is progressing properly leading up to the 2019 event.

With six 250 kN Pratt & Whitney engines at its disposal, the aircraft is built with the Boeing 747 in mind.

Currently housed inside of a hangar in the Mojave Desert, this is a look from underneath the Stratolaunch aircraft.

The Stratolaunch aircraft requires even a longer runway for takeoff than a Boeing 747.
It needs 12,000 feet, which equates to about 2 miles in length in order to lift off.

SpaceShipOne can reach heights of more than 377 feet. On October 4, 2004, it climbed to a record height of 377,591 feet.
This earned it the coveted Ansari X Prize, given to the first private team to reach outer space.

The Microsoft man owns NFL and NBA teams, but it turns out this isn’t his first foray into space.
About a decade ago, he and Mr. Rutan teamed up to build the aforementioned SpaceShipOne. It’s now on display at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C.