This image shows the planned Stratolaunch Systems carrier aircraft.
An artist's impression of the Stratolaunch Systems carrier aircraft releasing a rocket.
This image shows the giant aircraft that will be used to launch private spacecraft carrying cargo and people into orbit on flights by Stratolaunch Systems, a venture unveiled by Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen on Dec. 13, 2011.
The logo for Stratolaunch Systems, a new private spaceflight company backed by billionaire investor Paul Allen to provide private trips to space for people, cargo and satellites.
A labeled look at the colossal carrier aircraft planned by Stratolaunch Systems to launch rockets and space capsules into Earth orbit.
A video still by Stratolaunch Systems indicates they can deliver manned spacecraft and unmanned payloads to orbit.
This image released by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's Stratolaunch Systems spotlights the company's giant twin-boom aircraft launch pad for private spaceflights.
A video still by Stratolaunch Systems indicates their aircraft will be powered by six 747 engines.
A video still by Stratolaunch Systems indicates their aircraft will possess a gross weight of over 1.2 million pounds.
This image released by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen's Stratolaunch Systems spotlights the company's giant twin-boom aircraft launch pad for private spaceflights.
The image shows the space plane can carry a heavy load of cargo.
This photo shows the space plane will be designed to have an orbital mission range of 1,300 nautical miles.
Side view of the Stratolaunch Systems plane.
The company prides itself on being able to get to "any orbit. anytime."
The Stratolaunch System space plane capsule release.
Aerospace designer Burt Rutan (left) and Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen (right). Rutan's company, Scaled Composites, designed SpaceShipOne, the privately-built suborbital rocket plane that snagged the $10 million Ansari X Prize in 2004. SpaceShipOne was bankrolled by Allen. Rutan retired from Scaled Composites in April 2011.
Billionaire investor Paul G. Allen has launched a new company called Stratolaunch Systems to provide private space launches for people, cargo and satellites.
An artist's impression of the Stratolaunch Systems carrier aircraft.
