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 primary role of the White Knight in the launch process of Spaceship One?

• To serve as a backup spacecraft

• To carry Spaceship One to a high altitude

• To provide additional fuel for Spaceship One

• To act as a communication satellite

What unique feature allows Spaceship One to land safely after its rocket motor is exhausted?

• It has a backup engine

• It uses solar panels for power

• It functions as a glider

• It has a parachute system

What was a requirement for Spaceship One to qualify for the X Prize?

• To complete two space flights within two weeks

• To carry a crew of three astronauts

• To reach a speed of Mach 5

• To orbit the Earth twice

During the second prize-winning flight, what was the maximum altitude reached by Spaceship One?

• 102 kilometers

• 150 kilometers

• 75 kilometers

• 50 kilometers

Who funded the design of Spaceship One?

• Jeff Bezos

• Elon Musk

• Richard Branson

• Paul Allen