Ashton Kutcher Space Bound: Actor to Fly on Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic

Ashton Kutcher is going to space!

The 34-year-old actor is the 500th person to sign up for Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic, the English business mogul confirmed on his blog on Monday.

I gave Ashton a quick call to congratulate and welcome him. He is as thrilled as we are at the prospect of being among the first to cross the final frontier (and back!) with us and to experience the magic of space for himself, Branson wrote.

Virgin Galactic, which operates under Branson's multi-billion dollar Virgin Group, is scheduled to send off test flights later this year, followed by commercial passenger flights in 2013 or 2014, according to Reuters. Branson himself will be on the first commercial flight with his kids.

Kutcher's ride will be aboard the SpaceShipTwo, which can carry six passengers and two pilots, spanning some 60 ft. long.

As noted on the Virgin Galactic website, the spaceship gives each passenger plenty of space (two large windows), with the option to remain in his or her seat, if free floating isn't on the agenda.

While Kutcher has yet to personally comment on the space announcement, the Two and a Half Men star retweeted Branson's welcome post on Twitter.

So just how much did Kutcher pay for his ticket to space? According to Virgin Galactic, each ticket costs $200,000 with deposits starting at $20,000. (Really, chump change for Kutcher, who has a net worth of $140 million, according to celebritynetworth.com).

News of Kutcher going to space is a refreshing headline compared to the latest rumors surrounding the actor. From his recent trip to Brazil to a possible reunion with ex Demi Moore, to his new relationship with screenwriter Lorene Scafaria, Kutcher's personal life has been a frequent topic among fans and gossipmongers alike.

Virgin Galactic is the most exciting business that we've ever launched . . . Ashton is joining a fast expanding group of true pioneers who are on their way to a life changing experience and a place in the history books. It's great to have him on board, Branson wrote on Monday.

What do you think about Ashton Kutcher going to space? Would you pay $200,000 to fly on Virgin Galactic?