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A reclusive American telecommunications tycoon is spending millions of dollars to renovate Mir, the closed Russian space station, into a commercial lab, advertising gimmick and out-ofthis- world vacation spot for his fellow millionaires.
Unlike other space-tourism schemes, which all went nowhere, usually cynical space experts say this one has a good chance of success. That's because it involves a destination that's already in orbit (Mir), proven rockets (the Russian Soyuz) and cash that is flowing to a money-starved Russian space program.
The cash, at least $21.2 million, is coming from Washington venture capitalist Walt Anderson, who expects to sign a lease to use the orbital outpost by the end of the month. He will do so in partnership with the Russian space company Energiya, which owns the empty station. Anderson, Energiya and other investors are forming Mir Corp. Ltd. in Bermuda to run what they hope will be the first for- profit space station.