Space tourist Garriot takes of in Russian rocket

US tycoon and now space tourist Richard Garriott has followed in the footsteps of his father Owen Garriott into Space. But this time in a Russian space ship.

Blasting off in Kazakhstan on Sunday morning, the video game magnate has paid more than 20 million euros for the privilege to experience what his father went through over 30 years ago.

Retired NASA astronaut Owen, who now lives in Alabama, was a seasoned space explorer during the 1970’s and 1980’s.

Richard Garriott is taking part in a ten day mission to the International Space Station returning towards the end of October.

The 47-year old business mogul has drawn parallels between his journey, which comes at a time of diplomatic tension between Russia and the US, with the Cold War era of his father.

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