If you’re thinking of sending off some satellites and other objects into space, but you’re working on a budget, Stratolaunch Systems might have the solution for you. Backed by Microsoft’s co-founder Paul Allen, legendary aerospace designer Burt Rutan and private spaceflight supporter Elon Musk, Stratolaunch Systems plans to launch objects into space for a fraction of the cost of current launches. How does the company intend to do it? With a new giant aircraft from Rutan’s Scaled Composites, of course.The massive plane is said to be the size of two 747s lined up side by side, with a wing span of 385 feet (greater than the length of a football field), is powered by six 747 engines that can carry a 120-foot long rocket to a suitable altitude before releasing it so that it can launch into orbit. It is currently in its early stages and is scheduled to launch in 2015, so it will be awhile more before we see anything but it definitely looks like an interesting way to send things into space.
Check out the video Stratolaunch Systems promo video:
Filed in ..