Spaceship One: The First Privately Funded Venture into Space

Spaceship One, part of a system similar to NASA's early rocket aircraft, is launched by White Knight, a turbojet-powered mothercraft. Spaceship One, designed by Bert Rutan and funded by Paul Allen, uses a hybrid rocket motor and functions as a glider after fuel exhaustion. It achieved the X Prize by completing two space flights within two weeks, reaching over 102 kilometers in altitude. A new prize is announced for the first privately funded spacecraft to achieve orbit.

What is the primary function of the White Knight in the launch process of Spaceship One?

• To act as a communication satellite

• To serve as a landing platform

• To carry Spaceship One to a high altitude

• To provide fuel for Spaceship One

What happens to Spaceship One after its rocket motor fuel is exhausted?

• It functions as a glider for landing

• It deploys parachutes for descent

• It continues to ascend using solar power

• It returns to the mothercraft

What type of fuel does Spaceship One's hybrid rocket motor use?

• Methane and liquid oxygen

• Liquid hydrogen and oxygen

• Nitrous oxide and rubber

• Kerosene and liquid oxygen

What was the altitude achieved by Spaceship One during its second prize-winning flight?

• Over 50 kilometers

• Over 75 kilometers

• Over 100 kilometers

• Over 150 kilometers

Who funded the development of Spaceship One?

• Paul Allen

• Elon Musk

• Jeff Bezos

• Richard Branson