Trip Could Happen As Early As September 2008

A Russian businessman and politician is set to become the sixth space tourist, and could possibly launch as early as next year, the Russian business daily Vedomosti reported Monday.

Although it has yet to be officially confirmed, parliamentary deputy Vladimir Gruzdev is reportedly poised to become Russia's first space tourist. Gruzdev reportedly booked his flight in June when he paid about $24.49 million dollars for the trip.

Gruzdev, 40, is co-owner of Russia's Seventh Continent grocery chain and has completed the required medical testing. He has also received the OK from Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, for his visit to the international space station, an unidentified source told Vedomosti.

He is also a deputy in the State Duma, or lower house of parliament, for the United Russia party.

Russian space Chief Anatoly Perminov indicated Gruzdev could fly in 2009, but Vedomosti reported the flight could happen as early as September 2008.

Previous speculation was Russian President Vladimir Putin would be the first Russian space tourist when his term is completed.

Gruzdev appears to be becoming quite the adventurer.

Last month, he was part of an underwater expedition, meant to bolster the country's claim to a large area of territory in the Arctic, to the North Pole made in two submersible vessels. He drew criticism when he planted a Russian flag on the ocean floor.

FMI: www.roscosmos.ru/index.asp?Lang=ENG