DATE=04/27/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=RUSSIA/SPACE DOCKING (L)

NUMBER=2-289167

BYLINE=BILL GASPERINI

DATELINE=MOSCOW

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

/// EDS: Can be used as alternate to Space Tourist, 2-289159 ///

INTRO: The world's second space tourist has arrived at the International Space Station -- or I-S-S -- after a two-day flight in a Soyuz spacecraft. But Mark Shuttleworth of South Africa says he will be doing a lot more than looking out of the window during his time aboard the station. Bill Gasperini reports from Moscow.

TEXT: Mark Shuttleworth and two crewmates from Russia and Italy entered the space station after their Soyuz spacecraft docked with the I-S-S early on Saturday.

They were greeted by the joint Russian-American crew already on board the orbiting station.

The primary goal of the mission was to bring the Soyuz craft up to the station, where it will replace a similar craft, which has served as an escape vehicle in case of emergency.

Mr. Shuttleworth, who reportedly paid 20-million dollars for the trip, says he is not just a "tourist."

The 28-year-old Internet millionaire says he will conduct a series of experiments. He will see how stem cells from sheep and mice react to zero-gravity conditions as part of research into the treatment of various diseases.

He will also conduct tests related to the deadly virus that causes AIDS, a major killer in his native South Africa.

His mission is receiving blanket media coverage in South Africa. South African leaders, including former President Nelson Mandela, have praised the businessman as a pioneer, and he is described as the first "Afro-naut".

Mr. Shuttleworth spent eight months training for the mission, mostly at the main Russian space facility outside Moscow, known as Star City. He also spent a week at the Johnson Space Center near Houston.

Mr. Shuttleworth is the second person to pay for his flight into space; American businessman Dennis Tito visited the station last year. (signed)

NEB/BG/DW/TW