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FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 17, 2003
PAUL
G. ALLEN CONFIRMED AS
LONG-RUMORED SPONSOR OF SPACESHIPONE
Allen Sponsors Scaled Composites’ Cutting-Edge X-Prize
Entry, Attends Today’s
Successful Test Flight of the First Manned Privately Funded
Supersonic Aircraft
MOJAVE, CA and SEATTLE – Dec. 17, 2003 –
Investor Paul G. Allen today confirmed international speculation
that he is 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 today’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 Paul G. 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-akind
research, but also a vision of how this kind of space program
can shape the future and inspire people around the world.”
For details about today’s test flight, including specifications
on speed, altitude, etc., visit www.scaled.com.
For details about the X-prize visit www.xprize.com.
ABOUT PAUL G. ALLEN
Paul G. Allen owns and invests in a suite of
companies exploring the potential of digital communications.
Allen’s business strategy includes encouraging communication
and synergy between his portfolio companies for mutual benefit
in the areas of technology, new media, biotechnology, entertainment,
telecommunications and entertainment. His primary companies
include Vulcan Inc. of Seattle and Charter Communications
of St. Louis, the nation's fourth-largest cable provider.
Allen is owner of the Portland Trail Blazers NBA team and
the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise, and a partner in the entertainment
studio DreamWorks SKG. Allen co-founded Microsoft Corporation
with Bill Gates in 1975 and served as the company’s
executive vice president of research and new product development,
the company’s senior technology post, until 1983. Allen
gives back to the community through the six Paul G. Allen
Charitable Foundations, which support arts, health and human
services, medical research, and forest protection in the Pacific
Northwest. He is also the founder of Experience Music Project,
Seattle's critically-acclaimed interactive music museum, the
forthcoming Experience Science Fiction Museum and Vulcan Productions,
the independent film production company. For more information
about Paul G. Allen visit www.vulcan.com
ABOUT SCALED COMPOSITES
Scaled Composites, LLC is an aerospace research
company located on Mojave Airport.
For more information, press only:
Michael Nank, Vulcan Inc. 206-342-2000, michaelna@vulcan.com
Jason J. Hunke, Vulcan Inc. 206-342-2000, jasonh@vulcan.com
Kaye LeFebvre, Scaled Composites 661-824-4541, klefebvre@scaled.com
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