Space tourism may seem an unlikely industry to have its base in the Isle of Man.
But plans by Douglas-based Excalibur Almaz to convert and equip former Russian space capsules for flights around Planet Earth will ensure the Island remains firmly on the world's space commerce map.
The company has bought four former Russian space capsules and two space stations.
One capsule will be kitted out for tourist flights, while the others will be converted to suit industry requirements, such as transporting commercial payloads in space and scientific experiments.
Later this month, one of the capsules will be go on public display in the Island.
Going into space won't be cheap, but Tim Craine from the Manx Treasury's Space Commerce Unit reckons the cost will compare well with the only other options available (play audio file):
The spacecraft will be on display in the courtyard at King William's College in Castletown on Sunday, September 20 and the following weekend, September 26 and 27.
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