Thanks to Space Adventures, a trip to the moon will be available somewhere in 2008 or 2009; this is the first stop towards a future lunar landing by private citizens.

"For the first time in history, a private company is organising a mission to the moon," Space Adventures CEO Eric Anderson said at a Manhattan news conference Wednesday, a day after space shuttle Discovery safely returned to Earth. "This mission will inspire countries of the world, citizens, our youth. "

Anderson said that he already has "private explorers" who are interested in the trip and could afford the ticket.

Space Adventures has a partnership with Russia's Soyuz TMA spacecraft. The Soyuz has 10 cubic meters for the crew members, which is quite enough for three people.

The initial travelers would be the first to orbit the moon in more than 33 years, according to the Arlington, Va., company. Only 27 people have ever made such a journey.