spacetoday.net: RadioShack to support Bass, Garver space tourist efforts; complete funding still in doubt

Posted: Sat, Jun 1, 2002, 10:35 AM ET (1435 GMT)
ISS illustration (NASA)

Electronics retailer RadioShack announced Friday that it is providing support to the efforts of both Lance Bass and Lori Garver to be the next commercial space tourists, but both candidates are still working to raise money for the flight. RadioShack, who sponsored the initial medical tests in Russia for pop star Bass, said it has also provided support for former NASA official Garver. The amount of money the company provided was not specified. The announcement was made a press conference in Moscow Friday where both potential tourists reported having received medical clearances to fly. Neither has arranged the estimated $20 million needed to fly, and time is running out to be included on the crew of the October Soyuz taxi flight to the station. While officials with the Russian space agency Rosaviakosmos said no discussions have taken place with any tourist candidate, David Kreiff, who is helping arrange Bass's flight, told CNN that negotiations are taking place "on a very high level." A deal could be completed within the next two weeks. An RIA Novosti article late Friday said that several other people, including "New Zealanders, Australians and a Russian businessman," have submitted applications with Rosaviakosmos to become space tourists.