Lance Bass Still Aims For Space Flight

Russian space bosses have confirmed they are in talks with 'N Sync star and aspiring astronaut Lance Bass.

Bass told reporters in May that Russian doctors had given him preliminary approval to become the third fee-paying space tourist to visit the International Space Station(ISS), after businessmen Dennis Tito and Mark Shuttleworth.

But doubt was cast over the validity of Lance's claims when Russian space agency spokesman Konstantin Kreidenko insisted, "The Russian Aerospace Agency has had no contact whatsoever with Mr Bass. We have received no requests from either him or his representatives, not to speak about signing any contracts."

"Anyone has the right to undergo tests. That doesn't mean that such person is considered to be a candidate for space flight."

But Kreidenko now reveals Lance has approached the agency and that talks are now underway. He told Reuters, "What we can confirm is that talks are going on. No contract has been signed. The talks could lead to one being signed, but so far there is no time frame for this."

Both Tito and Shuttleworth were reported to have paid $20 million for their trips into space, but Lance is unlikely to have to shell out so much from his personal wealth - Lance is thought to be backed by a consortium of companies put together by Hollywood producer David Krieff.