Google Founder To Become Space Tourist

The company that sends wealthy tourists to the International Space Station says that Google co-founder Sergey Brin has paid $5 million to reserve a seat on a future flight.

Space Adventures made the announcement at a news conference in New York City's Explorers Club. Brin says in a statement that he's a big believer in the commercial development of space.

Company officials also say they have struck a deal with the Russian space agency to launch the first entirely private Soyuz flight to the space station in 2011. Two seats will be available.

The Virginia-based company has sent five tourists into space so far. The sixth customer is due to go up in October. He paid $35 million for the seat.

No date was announced for Brin's flight.