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.

"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.

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.

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.

(SKY NEWS)