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. He owns and invests in a suite of companies exploring the potential of digital communications.

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 - a $10 million purse to help stimulate sub-orbital as well as orbital passenger space travel.

In a statement released at the December 17^th flight, Allen said: "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."

Allen has funded the effort since he and Rutan joined forces in March of 2001.

"Today's milestone and the SpaceShipOne project would never have been possible without Paul's tremendous support," said Burt Rutan, leader of the SpaceShipOne project along with his research and development team at Scaled Composites, the aerospace company that Rutan founded.

"Paul shares our energy and passion for not only supporting one-of-a-kind research, but also a vision of how this kind of space program can shape the future and inspire people around the world," Rutan said in a press statement.