Spaceship One: The First Privately Funded Venture into Space

Spaceship One, part of a system similar to NASA's X series, is launched by White Knight, a turbojet-powered mothercraft. Spaceship One, built by Scaled Composites, uses a hybrid rocket motor and functions as a glider post-fuel exhaustion. It achieved the X Prize by completing two space flights within two weeks, reaching over 102 km in altitude. Designed by Bert Rutan and funded by Paul Allen, it successfully landed at Mojave Airport. A new prize is announced for the first privately funded spacecraft to achieve orbit.

What is the role of the mothercraft known as White Knight in the launch of Spaceship One?

Describe the construction materials used for White Knight and their significance.

What are the requirements to qualify for the X Prize spaceship?

Explain the significance of the flight that took place on October 4th above the Mojave Desert.

Who were the key figures behind the design and funding of Spaceship One?