It appears ’N Sync’s Lance Bass might be saying “Bye, Bye, Bye” to bandmates, adoring fans and planet Earth this fall.

Bass plans to blast off and play astronaut with the Russian space program - and for a few months of training and about $20 million you might be able to as well.

That’s all it takes, ladies and gentlemen, a few million dollars and you too can join the line of unschooled and inexperienced cosmonauts. The once proud and pioneering space program has become a tourist attraction. Bass will be the third person to pay his way into space.

Only this time, the United States, Canada, Japan and European nations had to OK the flight because Bass will be traveling to the multi-billion dollar international space station. Those who deserve to see the stars are the ones who have spent their lives devoted to the task. Boys and girls no longer have to dream of being astronauts to see outer space, they can just hope to become rich pop stars. Who’s up next for the launching pad, Britney Spears, O-Town or 98 Degrees?

Space programs are not amusement parks such as Cedar Point. If Bass and other rich celebrities want to experience a rocket-like thrill, they should tackle Disney World’s Space Mountain.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with throwing $20 million at the stars - except that kind of cash could be better spent on philanthropic causes, such as helping feed hungry children and making the world a better place. There is something dangerously wrong when everyday people are allowed to visit the international space station just because they’ve got the green.

Our international space programs should refocus their efforts back to exploration and research. If they have nothing better to do than give joy rides to outer space, then perhaps governments should find better ways to spend money.