South African Internet millionaire Mark Shuttleworth, the world's second space
tourist, landed safely in Kazakhstan early today and said his space voyage was "the best thing I've ever done".
The charred Soyuz capsule landed right on schedule at 7.51 a.m. Moscow time (4.51 a.m. Irish time) near the Kazakh town of Arkalyk, after a descent of more than three hours under bright blue skies.
"It was just the most wonderful experience ever. It was fantastic," said Mr Shuttleworth, a 28-year old Internet magnate, after he emerged from the capsule.
A bystander handed him a blue egg in honour of Orthodox Easter and his father knelt beside him, talking about the trip.
Mr Shuttleworth will not soon forget his $20 voyage.
To make sure he will have a souvenir of the 10-day journey into space, he has bought the Soyuz capsule and his space suit.