Shell out 100 million pounds for trip to Moon

LONDON, June 20:Wish to travel to the Moon? Shell out 100 million pounds.A British firm has unveiled plans to send passengers into lunar orbit for a 100 million pounds fare.The first voyages � aboard Russian shuttles once used to spy on the West � could launch in 2015, Isle of Man-based Excalibur Almaz said.Until now space tourists have travelled only to the International Space Station and back.According to The Sun tabloid, Excalibur has bought and recycled four re-entry capsules and two space stations from Russian firm NPO Mashinostroyenia.Customers will first dock with one of the space stations in low-Earth orbit. From there they will be blasted into the Moon�s orbit, taking them 234,000 miles from home.The flights, which could last eight months, will then continue into space, taking them further from Earth than achieved before.The firm � whose Isle of Man home is rated the world�s fifth most - likely place to man the next mission to the Moon � yesterday drew crowds by displaying one of its vessels in Westminster, London. (PTI)