Perhaps it’s the stunt of lifetime for Guy Laliberte of Cirque du Soleil fame. The tycoon with an estimated net worth of $2.5bn has turned the circus business around and made the enterprise extremely profitable by introducing modern technology into the circus business. Conditions have not always been so conducive for him. Starting as mere juggler in the streets he had to fight his way up the ladder. He lifted off for space along with two crew members on Wednesday; the space craft would eventually meet International Space Station.

He has been engaged and soon to be his girlfriend Claudia Barilla. As the shuttle lifted crowd broke into tears and sang a song by Elton John “Rocket Man.” The crew is scheduled to reach International Space Station on Friday. Laliberte’s companions in space include a toy lion that his daughters have given him which would remind him of his home at earth.

Claudia Barilla who was present at the lift off started crying and hugged Laliberte’s youngest son assuring him that his father is now enjoying the safe journey into space.

The tycoon, who has paid $35Mn for 12 days visit for the outer space, he wants to use his trip to build global awareness for clean drinking and irrigation water.

Laliberte had not forgotten the spirit of circus before and during the odyssey. He was wearing a red nose as he went into the space shuttle. He had also made sure that the supply of clown noses would not be short during the journey.

Claudia Barilla was wearing a yellow clown nose as she saw him off.

Claudia Barilla