Dallas Austin Prepares For Space Flight in 2013

The versatile film and music producer is set to become one of Virgin Galactic's first passengers.

Music producer Dallas Austin recently booked a ticket on one of the first tourism flights into outer space. Austin, whose music collaborations range from TLC to Michael Jackson, announced via Twitter that he would be taking a sub-orbital flight in 2013.

"Yes!!" he wrote. "Just got my confirmation to travel to space in 2013 thanx to Richard Branson!! I'm gonna see Earth!!"

Although the concept of space tourism may sound absurd to some, awesome to many, and intangible to others, owner of Virgin Group, Sir Richard Branson, announced last month his plans to introduce a commercial space flight program called Virgin Galactic. In addition to tourists, the program will also fly researchers and scientists limited by findings made on Earth.

Each seat on the spaceline goes for $200,000 and thus far, a bit over 400 passengers have booked tickets.

(hiphopdx)