Space race 2: Russian actor bound for ISS in same month as Tom Cruise

Hollywood star is aiming to be first to shoot a feature film in space, but Russia has launched rival bid

The space race appears set for a relaunch following the news that Russia is to send an actor and director to the International Space Station in October, with the ambition of making the first feature film in space.

The crew are scheduled to begin their expedition on 5 October 2021. While on the space station they could encounter some fellow film-makers: Tom Cruise and the director Doug Liman, who are also due to travel there in October to make a movie.