[Satellite TODAY 12-15-11] Microsoft Co-Founder Paul Allen has partnered with aircraft developer Burt Rutan to built SpaceShip One, a reusable space plane that can launch into and return from Earth’s space orbit. According to documents published Dec. 14, the partners said they also are working on a project that could result in a reusable launch method for satellites.

   Rutan, who designed the SpaceShip Two vehicle that is being used by Virgin Galactic, told reporters that the aircraft launch system is being called Stratolaunch and is still in the design stages. The aircraft would have a wingspan wider than a football field and need a runway at least 12,000 feet long. A concept drawing of the aircraft, also published Dec. 14, shows the spacecraft as a twin-boom design, with a rocket booster that would be dropped at an altitude of 30,000 feet with its satellite payload.

   Allen confirmed he would invest approximately $200 million from one of his funds into the project. The aircraft would include six engines from a Boeing 747 hanging underneath the wings, as well as landing gear from a normal passenger aircraft.