SpaceShipOne

[MadScot]

MOJAVE, Calif., April 18 — Aircraft designer Burt Rutan unveiled Friday a fully-built launch system that, if flights outside the atmosphere prove successful, would be the first private manned space program. Both the spacecraft, called SpaceShipOne, and its launch platform, a futuristic jet known as the White Knight, were developed and built in secret and have already begun tests at lower altitudes.

MSNBC article in full

So, is someone going to finally get a private spaceplane operational? Kind of puts the Chinese space programme in perspective: an unknown US company appears as likely to get someone into space as does the government of 20% of the world's population!

Below is a shot of the craft, taken from the same article.

 

[WinterRose]

Well... at least it is prettier than NASA's shuttles.

 

[SunTzu]

what in gods name can that thing even fly?
Looks like a piece of abstract art

 

[Perfection]

I want it I want it I want it!!!