Giant satellite-carrying Stratolaunch aircraft unveiled in California

A giant aircraft capable of launching satellite-laden rockets into space has been unveiled at a hangar in the Mojave desert in California.

Stratolaunch, said to be the largest airliner ever built, weighs 500,000lbs (226,796kg) and has a wingspan measuring 385ft (117 metres) - the world's biggest.

Image:Pic: Stratolaunch Systems Corp

Backed by billionaire Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, the project has been worked on for the last six years and could see its first launch demonstration as early as 2019.

In a blog post, Stratolaunch Systems Corporation chief executive Jean Floyd said: "This marks a historic step in our work to achieve Paul G Allen's vision of normalising access to low Earth orbit.

Image:Pic: Stratolaunch Systems Corp

"This is a first-of-its-kind aircraft, so we're going to be diligent throughout testing."

The aircraft will begin testing its fuel systems and engines on the ground at its air and space port in the California desert in the next few weeks.

Image:Pic: Stratolaunch Systems Corp

Support structures were recently removed from the plane, allowing it to rest on its 28 wheels for the first time.

Powered by huge passenger jet engines, Stratolaunch will be able to carry a rocket and will be capable of launching satellites and possibly even humans into low-Earth orbit, Mr Allen said at its launch six years ago.

Image:Pic: Stratolaunch Systems Corp

He added the project would lead to a greater flexibility than ground-based rocket launches and offer better cost effectiveness for cargo and human missions to space.