New space project will feature largest aircraft ever built

US company Stratolaunch Systems, in conjunction with Burt Rutan, is developing an air-launch system to provide orbital access to space.

The project will include three primary components: a carrier aircraft which will be the largest ever built; a multi-stage booster; and a mating and integration system.

The carrier aircraft (pictured) will operate from a runway of at least 12,000 feetlong and have a range of 1300nm. It will use six B747 engines and have a wingspan of more than 125 metres (compared to the A380's 80 metres).

Stratolaunch Systems says it intends to bring airport-type operations to the commercial space industry.

The air-launch approach is expected to mean lower costs, greater safety and more flexibility.

The system will eventually have the capability of launching people into low earth orbit, but the initial focus will be on unmanned payloads.

First flight is planned for within five years.