Google co-founder pays $5 million for space trip

Last update: June 12, 2008 - 4:02 PM

NEW YORK - The company that sends wealthy tourists into space said Wednesday that Google co-founder Sergey Brin has paid $5 million to reserve a seat on a future flight.

Space Adventures said no decision has been made yet about when Brin, a 35-year-old billionaire and native of Moscow, will fly or where he might go.

So far, the company has sent five tourists to the International Space Station. Brin didn't appear at the company's news conference at the Explorer's Club in Manhattan, but he said in a statement that he considered his $5 million deposit an investment in the company, as well as an option to participate in a future space flight.

"I am a big believer in the exploration and commercial development of the space frontier, and am looking forward to the possibility of going into space," his statement said.

On each of its five previous missions, the Virginia-based company has essentially been tagging along on flights scheduled by the Russians.

ASSOCIATED PRESS