STAR CITY, Russia — The next paying traveler to the international space station wants to use his $35 million trip to highlight concerns about the world’s water supply.
Guy Laliberte, the Canadian billionaire founder of the Cirque du Soleil, said Thursday he aims to read a statement to the world about the planet’s water problems after taking a Russian rocket to the space station.
“I’m bringing a text that will be delivered to planet Earth . . . for creating awareness about the water situation on Earth,” Laliberte told reporters at the Russian astronaut training center.
He said his reading from space will be part of several shows in 14 cities around the world beginning Oct. 9. Former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, pop singer Peter Gabriel and Irish rockers U2 have said they are participating in the event.
Laliberte and two others will blast off Sept. 30 from the Russian launch facility in Kazakhstan.
