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Space tourist plans to tickle his colleagues

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-09-19 11:57

Russian cosmonaut Maxim Surayev (L), U.S. astronaut Jeffrey Williams (C) and Canadian billionaire Guy Laliberte pose for a picture with their space suits inflated under pressure during tests and training at Baikonur cosmodrom, September 18, 2009. The crew is due to fly to the International Space Station from Baikonur cosmodrome on board theSoyuz TMA-16 rocket on September 30, 2009. [Agencies]

STAR CITY, Russia: The man who plans on being "the first clown in space" says he's got some surprises planned for the crew of international space station.

Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte says he plans to tickle the station's astronauts while they're sleeping and he's also bringing red clown noses to try to lighten things up.

The Canadian creator of the famed circus troupe is paying $35 million to jet up to the station later this month on a Russian craft. He'll join cosmonaut Maxim Surayev and astronaut Jeffrey Williams on the journey.

The three spoke to reporters Thursday ahead of their flight to the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, from where Soyuz blasts off on Sept. 30.

Laliberte said his trip will also help raise awareness of worldwide water shortages.

Russian specialist helps Canadian billionaire Guy Laliberte to put on his space suit at Baikonur cosmodrome, September 18, 2009. [Agencies]

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