A rocket carrying a billionaire who has been dubbed the 'first clown in space' has lifted off from a Russian base in the central Asian republic of Kazakhstan.

The craft is bound for the International Space Station.

The Soyuz rocket blasted off from the Baikonur launch site carrying a crew of three, including Canadian space tourist Guy Laliberte.

The founder of the renowned Cirque du Soleil performance group has reportedly paid $US35 million for his flight and his stay on the International Space station, with the experience lasting less than two weeks.

Mr Laliberte has said while he is at the ISS, he intends to give a series of performances, including participating in a TV program.

He is likely to be the last space tourist for some years, as NASA is retiring its shuttle fleet, so seats on the Russian craft will be taken by American astronauts.