Ashton Kutcher to Blast Into Space?

TVGuide.com reports that 'Two and a Half Men' star Ashton Kutcher has signed on to become the 500th astronaut on Sir Richard Branson's upcoming Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo rocket plane.

Branson, the billionaire founder of the VSS Enterprise announced yesterday, "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." Bronson continued, "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."

No announcement has been made as to when The SpaceShipTwo will be launching. Branson revealed that it is now in the "exhaustive" final stages of test flight.

According to MSNBC, the cost to participate on the space voyage is $200,000 per ride. The shuttle plans to bring its passengers 50,000 feet into space. Other celebrities who reportedly signed on for the trip are Tom Hanks, Katy Perry, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Stephen Hawking will also take the ride for free, courtesy of Branson. Beyonce and Jay-Z are reported to be considering boarding the shuttle as well.