'Space clown' billionaire returns to earth

A Russian space official said the Soyuz capsule with circus tycoon Guy Laliberte, a Russian cosmonaut and US astronauts, landed in Kazakhstan.

Valeriy Lyndin, spokesman for Russian mission control, said the landing took place at 10.32am local time in Kazakhstan. He said the mission ended safely.

Nasa television reported that helicopters have reached the landing site and the spacecraft's hatch has been opened.

Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka, Nasa astronaut Michael Barratt and Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte landed today after leaving the International Space Station several hours earlier.

A six-member crew remains aboard the orbiting laboratory.

Laliberte, who wore a bulbous clown nose during his stay aboard the International Space Station, was extracted from the tiny Soyuz capsule following its landing in the steppes of northern Kazakhstan.

Russian television showed pictures of Padalka sitting outside the spacecraft eating an apple and drinking tea as ground crew extracted the other space travellers from the cramped capsule.

Laliberte emerged later, wearing his red clown nose as he reclined in a chair set up near the Soyuz capsule.

Returning astronauts must rest after Soyuz landings in order to readjust to the Earth's gravity.

Later, the space travellers were taken to an orange medical tent, Russian TV showed. A Russian Orthodox priest was present for the landing.

While in space, Laliberte hosted a global web broadcast to promote his crusade to preserve the world's water resources.

Former US vice president Al Gore, U2 and Shakira were among the entertainers and activists who participated back on Earth, performing in 14 cities on five continents.

Laliberte paid US$35m to become Canada's first space tourist.