ALLEN BACKING RUTAN PROJECT SPACESHIP A THRILL FOR TYCOON.

Byline: Jim Skeen Staff Writer

MOJAVE - Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen disclosed that he is the financial backer of SpaceShipOne, the privately financed spacecraft being developed by famed aircraft designer Burt Rutan's Scaled Composites.

Allen, owner of the Seattle Seahawks football team and the Portland Trail Blazers basketball team, did not disclose how much money he has put into Rutan's winged space rocket, but a spokesman for the billionaire said it was a ``significant multimillion'' investment.

``Being able to watch (Wednesday's) successful test flight in person was really an overwhelming and awe-inspiring experience,'' Allen said in a statement disclosing his investment. ``I'm so proud to be able to support the work of Burt Rutan and his pioneering team at Scaled Composites.''

Allen, who has funded the project since March 2001, was in Mojave on Wednesday to watch SpaceShipOne break the sound barrier in its first flight under the power of its rocket engine. The flight occurred on the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight

Allen described SpaceShipOne as capturing the spirit of innovation and exploration.

``SpaceShipOne is a tangible example of continuing humankind's efforts to travel into space, and effectively demonstrating that private, nongovernment resources can make a big difference in this field of discovery and invention,'' Allen said.

Allen has long been interested in aerospace and had been looking for a challenging project, spokesman Michael Nank said from Seattle.

``Mr. Allen wants to influence the way spaceships are developed,'' Nank said. ``He wants to move them away from government-backed efforts toward a grass-roots, entrepreneurial model.''

SpaceShipOne is a three-person craft being developed to fly more than 62 miles above Earth - 12 miles above the point where space is considered to begin.

It is among the contenders for the $20 million X Prize, offered by a St. Louis-based foundation to encourage private space travel efforts - just like Charles Lindbergh won $25,000 for flying across the Atlantic in 1927.

The 25-foot-long SpaceShipOne is carried aloft by a twin-engine jet called the White Knight, then let go to ignite its rocket engine.

To reach space, SpaceShipOne is to fly nearly straight up at a speed of about 2,400 mph, more than three times the speed of sound.

During re-entry, the spaceship's twin-booms will pivot up to act as a speed brake. The twin booms will pivot back down during the final glide flight to a landing.

During Wednesday's mission, SpaceShipOne reached a top speed of 930 mph and an altitude of 68,000 feet. The spacecraft suffered minor damage during its landing when one of its landing gear retracted.

``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 statement.

Allen co-founded Microsoft Corp. with prep-school friend Bill Gates in 1975 and served as the company's executive of research and product development until 1983.

Besides being the owner of the Seahawks and the Trail Blazers, Allen's investments and projects include being a partner in the DreamWorks SKG studio.

Allen, a devotee of legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix, is also the founder of the Experience Music Project, Seattle's interactive rock music museum, on which he reportedly spent $100 million.

Jim Skeen, [phone]

james.skeen(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

3 photos

Photo:

(1) Aircraft designer Burt Rutan unveils his SpaceShipOne on Friday at his Scaled Composites plant in Mojave.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer

(2) Paul Allen

Aerospace fan

(3) Burt Rutan

Famed designer