CANADIAN CIRCUS OWNER IS SEVENTH SPACE TOURIST

Space Adventures has announced that their next customer for a commercial flight to the International Space Station is Guy Laliberte, founder of the world-renowned circus, Cirque du Soleil. Laliberte has started training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City in Moscow. He is currently scheduled to fly aboard Soyuz TMA-16 with cosmonaut Maksim Surayev and NASA astronaut Jeffery Williams, launching on September 30, 2009.

Laliberte intends to develop a strong environmental theme for his work during the flight, related to his work with the ONE DROP Foundation, which he created to improve access to clean water for individuals and communities around the world. “I am honored and humbled today with my new description: humanitarian space explorer.", Laliberte said. "Traveling has always been my way of life and I have been researching the possibilities of space travel with Space Adventures since 2004. But I needed it to be the right time and for the right purpose. This is the time. And the purpose is clear: to raise awareness on water issues to humankind on planet earth. My mission is dedicated to making a difference on this vital resource by using what I know best: artistry. This will be the first poetic social mission in space. This is also a very symbolic time for me to be in Star City since, after 25 years, Cirque du Soleil will be introduced to Russia! The timing could not be more appropriate!”

Laliberte's backup for the Soyuz TMA-16 flight is Barbara Barrett, lawyer, businesswoman, former US ambassador to Finland and the wife of Craig Barrett, retired chairman and CEO of microprocessor manufacturer Intel. Barbara Barrett is an instrument-rated pilot, and was the first civilian woman to land an F/A-18 Hornet on an aircraft carrier.