Rich circus man says space trip worth $35 million

[October 07, 2009]  CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) -- The rich circus showman who bought a $35 million ticket to the International Space Station says it's been worth every penny.

The founder of Cirque du Soleil said from orbit Monday that launching into space and visiting the space station has been an amazing journey. Guy Laliberte rocketed into space last Wednesday aboard a Russian rocket.

The former stiltwalker and fire-eater says the best stunt he's pulled so far in space is hitting his head three times in the same day, while trying to navigate in weightlessness.

Before returning to Earth this weekend, Laliberte will take part in a worldwide performance to draw attention to the planet's water crisis.

He's the first professional artist to fly in space.

[Associated Press; By MARCIA DUNN]

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