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<p>Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen speaks during a news conference about his partnership in building a giant airplane and spaceship, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011, in Seattle. Allen and aerospace pioneer Burt Rutan announced they're building a giant airplane and spaceship to zip people and cargo into orbit, but unlike traditional rockets and government spaceships, the new commercial spaceship will drop from a high-flying airplane instead of blasting off from a launch pad. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson)</p>

<p>Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen speaks during a news conference about his partnership in building a giant airplane and spaceship, Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011, in Seattle. Allen and aerospace pioneer Burt Rutan announced they're building a giant airplane and spaceship to zip people and cargo into orbit, but unlike traditional rockets and government spaceships, the new commercial spaceship will drop from a high-flying airplane instead of blasting off from a launch pad. (AP…

December 14, 2011

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Huge plane to launch spaceships
December 14, 2011 8:15 p.m.

Huge plane to launch spaceships

SEATTLE - Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and aerospace pioneer Burt Rutan are building the world's biggest plane to help launch cargo and astronauts into space, in the latest of several ventures fueled by technology tycoons clamoring to write America's next chapter in spaceflight.