Everyone in South Africa is so proud and pleased for Mark

Jane Fletcher, Jersey

I am South African-born and just had a wonderful 11 days back visiting my family. Everyone there is so proud and pleased for Mark.
Jane Fletcher, Jersey

This man is not obliged to give any other human being on this planet any of his fortune! It's his, and then, 14M is not a huge amount in the grand scheme of things. All these people saying they would feed the hungry and home the homeless, if they had 14M I doubt very much they would be that generous! It all comes down to one thing, you can easily donate someone else's fortune - your own would be a little harder to part with.
Ryan, UK

Within 20 years I predict that space travel will be an exclusive adventure for the middleclass.
Daniel, Sweden

What sin is there if Mr. Shuttleworth considers it worthy to shuttle into space using his own money? I see nothing wrong about it! Every man has a dream, and, according to the BBC Mr. Shuttleworth says it has always been his dream to go into space. After all he wants to be called a researcher as his mission is to explore new ways of treating Aids. We Africans should concern ourselves about how our leaders utilize state funds, and not about how individuals spend their hard-earn money. Let's give Mr. Shuttleworth a chance.
Aroun Rashid Deen, Sierra Leonean in the USA

As long as most countries work together someday soon we'll all have the chance to go into space

Richard Hawley, UK

It's not a matter about who leads the space race and who beats America. As long as most countries work together someday soon we'll all have the chance to go into space. Russia was far too secretive and hence had the major catastrophes such as the 300 people killed when one of their rockets exploded on the launch pad (We never heard about that until years later). NASA has always been a bit 'show offish'. Now everyone is working together on this, we are getting more positive results with the ISS. Maybe science fiction won't be fiction for very long?
Richard Hawley, UK

To orbit our planet would be the ultimate experience, and is something I have fantasised about for many years. And it's not just about the view out of the window, space exploration is a crucial part of human evolution and space tourism an important part of that. So, yes, I want to go!
Austen Cordasco, Essex, England

The worst thing one can do is begrudge someone of their good fortune. Shuttleworth has done his time, worked late, said 'no' to going to the pub with his mates and it paid off. He made lots of money and he is spending it as he pleases. At the end of the day, the kind of cash he's throwing around - while being more than your average person might earn in their life - is considerably less than say, the salaries of Royals, interest earned in Swiss banks by The Presidents' Men, the value of diamonds that are traded illegally etc.
Mark, South African in Korea

It's the same as me knocking on your door asking for your money which you were going to spend on your holiday in Spain

Tom, Liverpool, UK

What irritates me is the people who go on about alternative uses for this 14 million. This man earned his money, why should he donate it to drug users, who are already a leech on society? It's the same as me knocking on your door asking for your money which you were going to spend on your holiday in Spain. As for the comments on pollution, as research develops from the flow of new money from space tourists, no doubt technology will create cleaner and more efficient ways of reaching orbit.
Tom, Liverpool, UK

I often daydream about going into space. If I had the resources to pay that sort of money I would definitely be booking my flight! I don't understand these people who are on their high horse putting this man down. All I have to say to them is: open up your horizons!
Tom, Liverpool, UK

Well of course I'd love to go myself. But I'm not sure that 'space tourism' is a responsible activity for any space agency. Space flight is very dangerous and expensive. Agencies must have a good productive reason to justify the risk and cost of sending anyone into space.
Andrew Witham, UK

Would I pay to blast-off into orbit? Absolutley! In fact, I'm not entirely sure that i would need millions of dollars to do it! A little research and some cooperation with friends and family has shown that it can be done on a private scale....watch for me!
Matthew Carlson, USA

That money may be well spent by donating to the President of South Africa in alleviating suffering of children affected by AIDS

Vijay K Vijayaratnam, United Kingdom

It is against my long held view that we have to improve the quality of life of poor of the world instead of wasting money on this adventure. I am at a loss to figure out how a dotcom millionaire can contribute by calling himself a researcher visiting space station for a week or so. That money may be well spent by donating to the President of South Africa in alleviating suffering of children affected by AIDS.
Vijay K Vijayaratnam, United Kingdom

I think there is no big difference between 7 miles in an aircraft and 200 miles in the so-called space. The Moon and further is the destination of desire. But it's not on the menu at the moment.
Leander, UK

Mark's USD20m, if given to South Africa's population, would result in 50US cents per head. It would hardly make a difference. Judging by the storm of envy it has generated, I would guess that he did the right thing. The socialist government of South Africa is spending over USD 10 BILLION on ARMS. Why should Mark be expected to donate after tax money to the masses when even a government elected by the very same masses would rather spend taxpayer's money buying guns than feeding the starving and dying? Go figure!
Alan, South Africa

I'd go if I had the money - and this man clearly does. Besides, he already does a load of charitable work. And as for environmental concerns - well, stop me if I'm wrong, but isn't the main component of rocket fuel hydrogen, which is clean-burning and creates no environmental damage?
Ciaran Foynes, UK

Let the man do what he wants with his money

Mike, USA

To the people who think the �14M could be used for better purposes. I bet the money you spend can also be used for better purposes. Let the man do what he wants with his money.
Mike, USA

Setting aside the environmental issues and the shear waste of �14m, I can think of a few people I would like to send into space. How soon they came back is another matter.
Phil Sears, UK

Not personally, but if anyone is collecting for Tony Blair's one way ticket, then count me in for a tenner towards it!
Jayne, UK

It really disappoints me to read people saying "spend the money re-habilitating drug users" or to "feed starving people". If people like you were the majority then we would still be heating our food over open fires. If I had that kind of money I would be up there like a shot. I can't imagine anything more spectacular than looking at earth from space - what a sight! As for all you other people who are so against scientific advances and pushing the envelope - I pity you, you must have really small lives.
Stuart Mundy, UK

Seems like a waste of money to me. Just imagine how many lives you could influence in a positive manner with �14 million. It must be the height of self indulgence, although if he were to spend in excess of that in worthwhile causes, it would be more palatable.
Mark M, UK

Aside from the thrill of exploration, the returns from the space programme are immense

Steve, UK

Aside from the thrill of exploration, the returns from the space programme are immense. Space exploration creates jobs, enables the development of new technology, but most importantly has provided us with a new view of our world. Many astronauts have been heard to comment on what a humbling experience it is to see our fragile Earth hanging in the blackness of space. If more of us could go up there and see for ourselves then I think there would be less pollution, fewer wars, and a renewed sense of identity for our species.
Steve, UK

I think it is wonderful what Mark Shuttleworth has done. I also think that anyone who has criticised him is a fool, they obviously do not have the money to do things like space travel. The people that have a go at Mr Shuttleworth about spending it on something more worth while like droughts, famine, poverty etc are idiots, if they knew anything about him they would understand he has set up charities with his money to research Aids and other disastrous events - at least he is treating himself with HIS cash! Good on you Mark.
Warren, SA Now UK

If space tourism helps fund projects which could eventually lead to our moving polluting heavy industry onto the moon, or energy generating stations that we could use to create hydrogen to fuel our non-polluting vehicles then yes it's an excellent idea.
Guy Heaton, UK

Would I pay �14m for a trip into space? Too right I would! I can't believe the ignorance of some people, the large amount of money spent on the space programme is being very well spent indeed considering all the scientific advances it has given us including new medicines and ways of reducing pollution. All we now have to do is implement these new technologies better than we are now
AJ, UK

I'd like to think I'd take an environmental decision on this topic

Richard, UK

Even if I had a spare �14million under my mattress, I'd like to think I'd take an environmental decision on this topic. It seems that, not content with damaging our own atmosphere with unnecessary transportation, we're now intent on polluting what's outside it too. And all for the sake of satisfying a few obscenely rich people, who ought to be distributing their wealth more responsibly on Earth.
Richard, UK

I hope he has a nice time up there. You can't take this money with you when you finally go. At least if you are a few miles off the planet burning it up, the tax man won't get it. All those people that moan about saving the planet and what good the money could be put to, do you really believe that any amount of money will stop criminal and tragic events worldwide? Money is the root of all evil. Why not spend it on enjoyment and stop living an impossible dream. There will always be rich and poor people, healthy and sick people, that's why we have governments and economics. It's never going to change in our lifetime. Do whatever makes you happy.
John, UK

Space IS the final frontier! I'd love to go into space but not just to vacation. But to work, play, maybe even live there. Just recently there was a lottery with a cash prize of $300 million dollars. How about a lottery to go into space? I'd pay as much as I could for that chance. The lucky winner gets the trip of a life time for say $20 million and the Space agencies get $280 million for exploration. Sounds like a deal to me. What are we waiting for? As far as being safe, riding in a car isn't safe but millions do it daily. Little has ever been gained without taking risks. If America's forefathers from Europe hadn't taking risk, there would be no America as we know it today. Let those who want to, go and those that don't can stay home.
Rick, USA

Of course I would go given half a chance, and so - if they were honest - would most other people. The cost is minor compared to the size of his fortune, and people without money are always quick to condemn the way those with money choose to spend it. What would I pay? Well, the Russians are welcome to my ITV Digital box - for research purposes!
Nick, UK

I guess my claustrophobia, vertigo and travel sickness would rule me out. But I respect Mr Shuttleworth's right to pay to go into space, and congratulate him on his courage!
Sue, UK

As we become increasingly bored with our limited circumstances on this planet, the demand for space tourism will increase

Glenn Knowles, USA

Get ready for resort hotels in space in our lifetime. Soon children will be conceived in space to beat the band. Honeymooners on the moon itself is an inevitability. As the human race continues to increase its standard of living and its disposable income, and as we become increasingly bored with our limited circumstances on this overcrowding planet, the demand for space tourism will create a sustained market.
Glenn Knowles, USA

I wouldn't even pay �14 never mind �14m. I wouldn't mind going up into space, but what can you do up there? You can't exactly go for a walk. If it's the thrill your looking for the amusement park has things like that for less than the �14m and after your done you can talk a walk in the park.
David Morgan, England/Sweden

I can think of a number of people I'd love to hand a one way ticket to the moon!
Mark, Scotland

Going up would be sweet. But I'd rather save to explore planet earth first.
Miguel Avila, Mexico

Let's try and get somewhere more interesting first

William, UK

Although I'd welcome the possibility of being a space tourist to Mars or a moon of Jupiter, while those are not possible, just going up into space and coming down again seems to be the equivalent of driving out on to the motorway, realising you haven't got enough petrol, and coming back down. Let's try and get somewhere more interesting first. On the other hand, if we fill the space stations with tourists and civilian scientists it's bound to take resources away from the military sooner or later, so go for it!
William, UK

We have not explored as much of the sea as we have space

Karen, UK

You ruin the enviroment, spend a fortune and for what? A 10- day trip. We have not explored as much of the sea as we have space and I am more interested in what may lie beneath our sky than above it. What's more I am not likely to be destroying a part of the enviroment that can never be replaced by doing it. It's time people actually thought about what they are doing to the planet before that space trip looks down on a burnt-out shell.
Karen, UK

Yes, yes, yes, I've already started saving. And to the people who think it's too much pollution, these space ships are going to be going up anyway, so one more passenger hardly makes any difference. And just look at the amount of pollution caused by big industries all around the world.
Bob, UK

With this money Mark could bring a smile to the thousands of his countrymen suffering from AIDS. However it is his money not mine. I am still trying for my first million. I wouldn't spend $20m for this holiday.
Zaman, Bangladesh/UK

I think space travel and space tourism are one of the most important challenges of humankind. At present bad environmental figures will be improved by better technology, I am sure. To extend distances of travel destinations always was the aim of people for thousands of years. Thus space tourism will have a great and prosperous future. I would like to fly too if I had the opportunity.
Lothar Goehlich, Germany

Their money is certainly not wasted, it will go some small way to fund the mission that would go ahead without them anyway

Michael Barker, Finland

If Mark Shuttleworth or Dennis Tito had donated $20m to a space programme, they'd be viewed as philanthropists contributing to the advancement of space science. Why shouldn't they get a free trip out of it? Their money is certainly not wasted, it will go some small way to fund the mission that would go ahead without them anyway. You might even consider that it pays for the training of the real cosmonauts who baby-sit the tourist in question. More power to their elbows, if I had a bank balance like those blokes, wild horses couldn't keep me on the ground!
Michael Barker, Finland

Yes I would pay - but as a diabetic for over 30 years I suspect that I would fail the medical. I could of course give my body for research into diabetes. This could be deemed to be worthwhile - perhaps we would find a cure - not for me but for the millions of diabetics the world over.
Graeme, UK

I couldn't go into space for style reasons: no real bathroom as such - just a catheter, no deodorant, no outfit change, probably awful Russian TV, no PS2, the list is not exhaustive. On the other hand, I would marvel at the majesty and grandeur of the view, but I wouldn't be too keen on the weirdy food. No singing astronauts please.
Alex, UK

I would love to go to space and assist in the development of the next great frontier.
Mike, US

Just to remind everyone, not every launch is successful, so who'll be the one that pays �14m to be turned into a cinder?
Brian, Lancashire, UK

Sadly I don't have �14m

Colin, UK

The world wouldn't be what it is today without man's desire to break new boundaries in exploration. Personally, I'd jump at the chance even given the risks involved. Sadly I don't have �14m.
Colin, UK

Only history will really tell the truth of the impact of space tourism. But I guess we will look back on many small steps for a man, Gagarin, Armstrong and most likely Tito in that he has changed our perception of space.
Simon Mallett, UK

I would jump at the chance, assuming I had $20m to burn. If it could be done a bit more within my finances, then I would be first in line for a trip up. Probably the best scenic view one could ever get.
Matthew, US

While it's his money, and I guess he can do what he likes with it, I can't help thinking of the better uses that $14m could be put to. There is a severe drought in the south of Africa at the moment. How many people would �14m save from starvation? How much would �14m knock off the NHS waiting lists? How much more advanced would AIDS research be if Mr Shuttleworth put his �14m into that? How many acres of rainforest would �14m save? How many homeless would it house?
AndyB, England

Would I pay to go into space? I actually think the right question should be the other way around! Would you go to space if they paid you? When the ticket costs �14m (!!) and there is practically no guarantee for return, I'm sorry, but I don't think so...
Melina, Greece/UK

Would I go? Most certainly!

Steve Groulx, Maine, USA

Would I go? Most certainly! Instead of looking up and seeing the moon, looking out a window and seeing earth would be a breath-taking moment. Would I pay $20m to go? I can think of thousands of other things to do with $20m than to spend it on myself...but it would be tempting.
Steve Groulx, Maine, USA

For all those "Space travel is wrong" moaners: without space travel, you wouldn't have solar cells; or fuel cells; or micro-computers; or instantaneous communication; or the ability to predict the weather; or modern lightweight materials.
Craig Miller, UK

I recall the other month that a company in Russia is producing a two-person shuttle which will take people out to space for about five minutes and then return them...all for �150k! I think I would like a little more than five minutes in space but what an experience! You can't take the money with you and if I had �14m to blow I'd be on my way ASAP!
Chris, UK

If the six numbers on this lottery ticket come up this weekend, I'll be next on the list!
Michael Shaw, England

The only chance human life has of surviving this existence is through exploration of space

Jay Raspin, UK

The only chance human life has of surviving this existence is through exploration of space. The ecological impact of embracing such technology is tiny compared to what might happen if we wait for the world to be destroyed by other means like asteroids, etc. Not only would I go, I think everyone who can afford it has a duty to go and in turn fund further space exploration.
Jay Raspin, UK

My answer is no. Certainly, he owns the money and he can spend on anything he likes. However, too many people are poor and those rich people should help them. But most of them just turn their heads and their eyes are blind. Do not forget, the popularity of communism in the 20th century results from the selfishness amid most rich people.
Anthony Liu, Taiwan

Bit pricey! And what is there to do up there, except float around? There are machines on earth that allow you to do that.
Matt, UK

I say spend more money detaining and rehabilitating drug users to prevent the spread of drug use and AIDS, here on earth, before we start spending billions floating people a few miles up. AIDS killed three million people in 2001. Drug use is endemic on our streets. Our kids are dying here right now, and our politicians are spending our money to build a holiday camp in the sky. It's an outrage.
Brad, UK

I think that the entire space programme is a huge waste of money that could be better spent taking care of people on our planet. Can you imagine how many people 14 million pounds would feed?
Gwen, USA

I think that the entire space program is a huge waste of money that could be better spent taking care of people on our planet. Can you imagine how many people �14m would feed?
Gwen, USA

Can you imagine a more awesome experience than looking down on the Earth from orbit?

Alasdair, London, UK

Can you imagine a more awesome experience than looking down on the Earth from orbit? I think Mark is doing what we'd all love to - get into space. Go for it!
Alasdair, London, UK

Not for a long stay I wouldn't! Bone and muscle wasting, constant travel sickness and bombardment with radiation does not appeal to me. Let's leave it to the highly-trained astronauts, who do a magnificent job in the most hostile environment.
John G, London, UK

People talk about the "good" that will come from the exploration of space and space tourism. How many children could be vaccinated against disease, or how many people could be given clean water supplies for the price of one space tourist's ego trip?
Anonymous, UK

Perhaps, if I had the budget for it. But wouldn't it be nicer if we all contributed towards the building of a B-Ark - and the propaganda which would convince certain elements of our society to get on it?
Phil, England

I'd love to go into space, but I believe that if I had the money I would send our so-called world leaders on a trip into orbit. Just so they can see just how insignificant they are, and that countries' borders are only in people's minds. Maybe after the trip they might start feeling just a bit more humble, realising that there is a big old world out there and it's not just their country that matters.
Steve Wehrle, UK

You bet I would go! If people want to go up there, then it will generate the money and technology to push us forward. Space travel will only become commonplace when it is as easy as using your car. It will start off being for the rich only, but then, so was flying abroad for a break not that long ago! Without funding being restricted to space agencies and governments, the whole thing will take off.
Dan F, England

I would without hesitation, although with my myopia, I doubt that I would make the physical. Even if I did, I doubt that I would be able to find �14m. However, the X-prize competition promises to greatly reduce the cost of orbital flights, so the time may be closer than you think. I would love to see the whole world roll underneath you every 90 minutes, and see the stars with unprecedented brilliance. People whine about exporting our problems and wasting money but they forget that the answers might lie out amongst the stars.
BenRG, London, UK

I think it is morally wrong

Will Lever, UK

I think it is morally wrong. The ecological debt from the pollution generated is unacceptable for one man to make for the thrill of being in space - to make it into a form of affluent tourism is disgusting. The real cost will not actually be paid. The world's poor will probably pay in terms of global warming. And although this is only one trip if it becomes popular it will greatly contribute to what is already a run away problem which we seem unable to control. In face of the staggering consequences we are likely to face, when I read about cases such as this I feel complete despair.
Will Lever, UK

Will Lever needs to rearrange his sense of morals. That attitude, if actually genuine, would have left us in a world without the steam engine, still ruled by bullying kings. I would go without hesitation and pay for Mr Lever to come too, the experience may lighten him up a little.
Andrew Cover, UK

The idea of a market for space tourism is one that our governments should grasp before companies have the ability and funds to undertake such adventures. Undoubtedly, it would only be a select few that could afford to become space tourists. Is this any different to the select few in the earlier part of last century who could afford worldwide travel?
Calum, UK

I think some of you must have seen too many Hollywood space movies, otherwise I can't explain some people's excitement to set off for a trip where no guarantees can be given for a safe return! It's not a... bus trip, you know, and perhaps we should wait and see first that the guy returns safe, before we start discussing about ''space trips'' and stuff we actually know nothing about!
Ian, England

Only if I got to wave through the hole in the ozone layer that my launch made.
Douglas Murray, Scotland

Douglas Murray, when a plane flies through a cloud, does it leave a plane shaped hole? Why do you think this would damage the ozone layer?
Jez, UK

Space tourism is becoming so common. If I was an employee of this industry, would I be allowed to travel there and have to pay? How much?
Giang Luong Van, Vietnam

Rather than pay a fortune for the doubtful privilege of hurtling through a vacuum for several days, I'd prefer to make money from this eccentric new recreation

Chris B, England

As plenty of people seem happy to pay to be strapped into a giant blow-torch and hurled into orbit, the era of the high street space travel agency seems to be fast approaching. Rather than pay a fortune for the doubtful privilege of hurtling through a vacuum for several days, I'd prefer to make money from this eccentric new recreation. As cash seems to be no object I'd take these people go into space for nothing - and then charge $20m to bring them back!
Chris B, England

I would love to go into space... but I couldn't live with myself if it involved the self-indulgent blowing of �14m!
Wendy, UK

As a South African, I am so proud of Mark! He worked long and hard for what he has achieved. So much for "The sky's the limit."
Anne Smith, UK, London

Would I pay �14m to see earth from God's perspective? Of course! What an unbelievable opportunity!
Jacques, UK, London

Even if I had a spare 14million under my mattress, I'd like to think I'd take an environmental decision on this topic

Richard, UK

Even if I had a spare �14m under my mattress, I'd like to think I'd take an environmental decision on this topic. It seems that, not content with damaging our own atmosphere with unnecessary transportation, we're now intent on polluting what's outside it too. And all for the sake of satisfying a few obscenely rich people, who ought to be distributing their wealth more responsibly on earth itself.
Richard, UK

I'd jump at the chance to see the earth from space, who wouldn't! But it's never going to happen for me, and millions like me. We can all dream though can't we?
Paul Johnston, Northern Ireland

It must be a truly humbling experience to view our earth from space. I wonder how you come to terms with what you have seen though once you return to earth?
Jon, England

I agree with Jon's statement about viewing earth from space, except that sooner or later will the experience give way to a sense of blase familiarity, reducing space travel to week in Ibiza? Would the ultimate experience be wasted on the Pop Idol generation?
Paul Bloomfield, UK

What's the use of it?

Tim, London,UK

Well, what's the use of it anyway? Have we solved all the problems down here, or are we thinking of exporting our earthly ''wisdom'' to other planets as well?! No thanks, I already have enough to worry about, on this planet!
Tim, London,UK

This is an excellent way to generate both money and interest for the exploration of space. Our future lies in the stars and if I had the money I'd sign up tomorrow.
Aaron, Canada

Space is not the sole domain of governments. If a private individual can afford the trip, then by all means. You'd think with all the interest, governments would wake up to the idea of space-tourism and cash in on it.
Simon, UK/Finland

Of course! The space race is over...tourism is the next frontier!
G, UK

Space agencies can use the tourist money for more research, because there's a lot still to be done

Mattijs Vankersschaever, Belgium

If I had the money, I sure would. It must be a wonderful experience to see the world down there. Why wouldn't we open space for tourists? I can't think of a reason why not. Space agencies can use the tourist money for more research, because there's a lot still to be done (and with all the government money flowing to defence these days...)
Mattijs Vankersschaever, Belgium

If you can afford it why not? No doubt a lot of people would consider this wasted money, or unfair because poor people cant do it.. The word "jealous" springs to mind. Money can make you happy.
Fraser Heath, Aberdeen, UK

There are two parts in this question. The easier one is who would like to participate. I think we can find millions who would be willing to do so. The most difficult part is who can afford those millions. To be fair to all, there should be a draw of lots or the world will only be tilting towards capitalist ideas, a detrimental factor to the state of affairs in which we find our world today.
Mahesh Chandra Somani, Finland

I wouldn't hesitate to go. The thought of having an opportunity to see something that so many people will never see, is too good to miss. I imagine a trip like that would open your mind to the fact that we are so small and selfish, yet there is a whole world out there.
Graeme, UK

If space tourism can be done safely, then why not? I'd be on the first space shuttle tomorrow if it didn't cost millions! Perhaps a budget airline like Go or Easyjet will do a cheap flight to the moon soon!
Shak, UK, London

If I could afford the price then I would go without hesitation

Andrew, UK

If I could afford the price then I would go without hesitation (I understand though that money or not there are rigorous medical and training standards to pass). A nice touch would be to have the space tourist match the cost of the spaceflight with an equivalent amount donated to charities.
Andrew, UK

Since I was a little boy I have dreamed about going into space. Who wouldn't want to go? I just don't have the spare change needed at the moment however. Two hundred lucky dip lottery tickets please!
Steve, England

Sure I'd love to go into space - I wouldn't pay �14m but I would love to go.
Ed, UK

Definitely if I had the money. Now that NASA has lost its hold on the rights to space, the Russians are doing what they do best, which is lead the space race, and along with the various competitions to get people in space for cheap, I think space tourism prices will come down over the next 50 or so years
Vish, UK