Ashton Kutcher has played his share of space cadets in movies and TV -- but now, he's actually going to space! Virgin CEO Richard Branson has announced that the Two and a Half Men star will be the 500th passenger to take a space flight on Virgin Galactic.
"I gave Ashton a quick call to congratulate and welcome him," Branson wrote on his blog on Monday. "He is as thrilled as we are at the prospect of being among the first to cross the final frontier (and back!) with us and to experience the magic of space for himself."
Branson, one of the world's richest businessmen, launched Virgin Galactic in 2005 with the goal of making space travel a possibility for ordinary people. Well -- ordinary people with a lot of cash, that is. At the moment, becoming an "astronaut customer" costs $200,000 and requires a $20,000 deposit. And there's some sweat involved, too: Everyone who books a flight is required to do a three-day training program at Virgin Galactic's New Mexico spaceport.
But the desire to go to space makes it all worthwhile for many celebrities. Angelina Jolie was on Branson's maiden voyage; Brad Pitt followed on the second flight. Also among the first 500 "space tourists": Stephen Hawking, Tom Hanks, Victoria Principal and Paris Hilton (really!). Branson will soon be offering commercial flights, and hopes to one day enable everyone to experience zero gravity in their lifetime.
"Ashton is joining a fast expanding group of true pioneers who are on their way to a life changing experience and a place in the history books," Branson writes. "It's great to have him on board."
And if you have $200K burning a hole in your pocket, you can join Ashton by booking a ticket here!
