Time is running out for a space tourist on this fall’s Soyuz flight.

According to NASA Watch, rumor has it that Lance Bass’ sponsorship deal with NBC has fallen through, and he’s now talking to CBS. Lori Garver hasn’t raised the money yet, either.

It looks like it may be premature to see sponsorship as a means of raising money for rides into space. For now, you probably still have to bring your own cash, as Tito and Shuttleworth did. If I were Lori, I wouldn’t have had that gall bladder pulled until the deal was signed.

But Shuttleworth wants to do it again. Maybe he’ll consider investing in some companies that can make it happen, and get him up while making some money, instead of just laying out cash for a ticket. Let me know, Mark–I have some ideas…