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The latest trend is space tourism. It costs around $25 million, but at least you don't risk bumping into another billionaire at a fancy party, bragging that he's seen Earth from outer space!
Space tourist and software "geek" Charles Simonyi, Ph.D., successfully landed in the Kazakhstan steppes after a 14-day visit to the International Space Station (ISS) as Space Adventures reported. Dr. Simonyi returned to Earth aboard Soyuz TMA-9 with Expedition 14 crew members Michael Lopez-Alegria and Mikhail Tyurin, who both spent seven-months aboard the ISS.
Born in Budapest, Charles Simonyi earned his Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and mathematics from the University of California at Berkeley and a doctorate in computer science from Stanford University. From 1972 to 1980, Dr. Simonyi worked at Xerox Corporation's Palo Alto Research Center (PARC). He left PARC to join Microsoft Corporation, where Dr. Simonyi held the titles of Director of Application Development, Chief Architect and Distinguished Engineer.
In August of 2002, Dr. Simonyi left Microsoft and founded Intentional Software Corporation, a software engineering company focused on improving the way organizations write software. He then founded the Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences in 2003 to support arts organizations, science programs and educational institutions. Dr. Simonyi is a trained pilot in multi-engine aircraft with current licenses in jets and helicopters and more than 2,000 hours of flying time.
"Seeing the space station for the first time from inside the Soyuz was such an unforgettable experience. Seeing the Earth from space, so beautiful, majestic and calm, has filled me with great optimism," said Dr. Simonyi. "I think it is written into our DNA to explore. Space exploration is so important to humanity, that to have been able to participate in it, even in a very small way, was such a privilege."
"We, at Space Adventures, applaud Charles, not only for pursuing his lifelong dream of space travel, but for taking his own personal step toward opening up the space frontier for all of us. Charles is an inspiration and it has been a pleasure and an honor to help make his goal of spaceflight a reality," said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures.
Earlier in the month, on April 7th, Dr. Simonyi launched aboard Soyuz TMA-10 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. He joined Expedition 15 commander Fyodor Yurchikhin and flight engineer Oleg Kotov for the flight. They arrived at the space station on April 9th and were greeted by the Expedition 14 crew. In preparation for his spaceflight with Space Adventures, Dr. Simonyi completed a training program at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center located in Star City, Russia. During his 11-day stay aboard the ISS, Dr. Simonyi assisted several international space agencies by conducting experiments, communicated with hundreds of high school students via HAM radio signal in cooperation with Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS) and celebrated Cosmonautics Day by presenting a gourmet meal to the space station crew.
Dr. Simonyi has been chronicling the details of his mission, from training to landing, on his Web site. Now back on solid ground, Dr. Simonyi will continue to share his experiences on his site, expanding upon the accounts of his time aboard the ISS, and providing insights into his landing and return to Earth. Additionally, children can continue to visit the site's "Kids' Space" and earn an official "Charles in Space Certificate of Achievement."
His mission to the ISS is the latest destination in a life defined by exploration and discovery.