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It uses a hybrid rocket motor powered by nitrous oxide and hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (rubber), and is launched at altitude by a jet powered carrier aircraft called White Knight. The cabin has space for three people, including the pilot.
On December 17, 2003 (100 years to the day since the Wright Brothers made the first powered flight) it made its first powered flight, following several months of glide tests. The test pilot was Brian Binnie, who took control when it was released from the carrier aircraft at 48,000 feet (14,630 m). During this first flight the rocket plane became the first privately-funded aircraft to go supersonic when it achieved a speed of 930mph (Mach 1.2) and an altitude of 68,000 feet (20,725 m). It sustained damage in a rough landing (which included a “runway excursion”—accidentally going off the runway—and subsequent damage to the landing gear), but the broken parts were repairable and the pilot was not injured.