Google co-founder buys seat on rocket

VIENNA, Va., June 13 (UPI) -- Space Adventures Ltd. of Virginia said Google Inc. co-founder Sergey Brin placed a $5 million deposit on a future flight into space.

Brin is the first member of the private space company's Orbital Mission Explorers Circle and has the option to fly in space or sell the seat to another private astronaut, the company said Wednesday in a release.

"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," Brin said in a statement.

Space Adventures Ltd. has sent five private clients to the International Space Station since 2001. The Austin (Texas) American-Statesman said a ticket for a seat on a Russian rocket costs at least $20 million.