The world's second space tourist is aboard a Russian spacecraft heading toward the International Space Station. 

Russia's mission control says South African multi-millionaire Mark Shuttleworth is feeling fine after blasting off from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan early Thursday. 

Also on board the Soyuz TM-34 spacecraft for the 10-day mission are a first-time Italian astronaut, Roberto Vittori, and the mission's Russian commander, Yuri Gidzenko. The are scheduled to dock with the space station on Saturday. 

Mr. Shuttleworth, who made his fortune as an Internet entrepreneur, paid Russian officials $20 million for the space trip. He is the first African ever to fly into space. Mr. Shuttleworth is scheduled to carry out several scientific experiments while on board the space station. 

The amateur cosmonaut had to learn Russian and go through eight months of intensive training before being cleared for the trip. 

Mr. Shuttleworth said he is grateful for the chance the Russians have given him. He is following in the footsteps of the U.S. businessman, Dennis Tito, who became the first space tourist last year, also for a fee. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP. 

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