There was a time not too long back (one would think), when it was trendy for millionaires to buy new palaces and jaguars while billionaires bought yachts and even small islands. And those with lesser money bought lottery tickets in the hope of winning free holidays, expen2sive gadgets and perhaps even a few crores in cash. But a trip to space?

Earlier this year, US based billionaire Denis Tito, who rose to prominence when he became the first ever space tourist some years ago, announced a contest where the winning couple would go on a trip to Mars.