A computer software error likely sent a Russian spacecraft into a rare ballistic descent that subjected the three men on board to chest-crushing gravity loads that made it hard to breathe, space experts said today.

The capsule carrying the world's first paying space tourist has landed in the Kazak steppe.

The world’s first space tourist, California millionaire Dennis Tito, checked into the orbiting international space station yesterday and floated inside with a huge grin.

The fantasy of taking a holiday in outer space becomes a reality on Saturday when a US multi-millionaire blasts off to become the world’s first space tourist.

Russian officials are to allow a Californian millionaire to become the first tourist in space.