Musk buys $250k Branson's space flight ticket

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who claims to be living in a modest $50,000, 37-square-metre prefab guest house in Boca Chica, Texas, has bought a $250,000 ticket to space from fellow billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Musk had bought a ticket for his space ride before Branson touched the edge of space on Sunday.

"It is unclear how far up the waiting list Musk is for a seat. Virgin Galactic said its tickets have sold for $250,000 each, and the company has collected $80 million in sales and deposits," the report said on Monday.

In an interview with Sunday Times, Branson said: "Elon's a friend and maybe I'll travel on one of his ships one day.

Musk and Branson are good friends.

In a pre-flight tweet, Branson said: "Thanks for being so typically supportive and such a good friend, Elon. Great to be opening up space for all - safe travels and see you at Spaceport America!"

Musk responded: "Will see you there to wish you the best".