"I also learnt from the news that China has made history by launching a spacecraft, sending the nation's first female astronaut into space, which is very exciting," she says. "Everyone has dreams, some seemingly unrealistic and crazy, but someday you suddenly see the possibility."

When she comes back to Earth, she plans to hold a 2016 tour themed on the universe. She also plans to work with a Chinese musician on a new album, which will have a mixture of Chinese and English songs.

Brightman, who is a UNESCO ambassador, says the trip will serve as a way to promote the United Nation's message of encouraging education for women in the scientific and environmental fields.

She is one of the most popular Western singers among Chinese fans, and is eager to learn more about China and its people.

"I am curious to see the country's changes and keen to know about the people here," says Brightman, who held concerts in Beijing in 2004 and 2009.

The soprano, with over 30 million records sold globally, won the hearts of more Chinese after she performed the theme song of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, You and Me, with Chinese singer-songwriter Liu Huan.

"I am lucky to take all the projects I have been involved in as my hobbies," she adds.

chennan@chinadaily.com.cn