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Virgin Galactic has revealed the name of another intrepid traveller who will be leaving the earth's atmosphere to become one of the first commercial astronauts.

Ibrahim Sharaf has become the first Emirate to sign up to the project and has parted with $200,000 (£100,500) for the privilege.

The president of the Sharaf Group will be joined by Victoria Principle, actress and businesswoman, Bryan Singer, who directed Superman Returns, an unnamed member of a Royal family and Sir Richard Branson.

Speaking after signing up to the first flight which will carry 100 commercial astronauts, Mr Sharaf revealed that he is very much looking forward to the trip.

'I am very excited about going to space with Virgin Galactic, it's a once in a lifetime experience for me,' he said. 'Today, sub-orbital journeys represent the ultimate travel, if not, life experience.

'I am confident with the leadership and vision of Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin Group's commitment to technology, innovation, safety and customer experience, that sub-orbital flights are just a stepping stone for what will come in the future.

'I'm so privileged to join with many others to be a part of creating space travel history,' he added.

Mr Sharaf has previously visited the North Pole twice, taken a 24-day journey across Siberia and been to the 'Pole of Cold', one of the coldest places on earth.

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