posted 09-30-2008 09:04 AM               

Space Adventures' Orbital Spaceflight Candidate, Charles Simonyi, Plans Spring 2009 Return Flight to the ISS

Will mark his second space mission Previously flown to the ISS in spring 2007

Space Adventures, the only company that provides human space missions to the world marketplace, announced today that Charles Simonyi, Ph.D., intends to train with the Soyuz TMA-14 crew in preparation for a spring mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Space Adventures became world renowned in 2001 with the launch of client Dennis Tito, the world's first privately funded spaceflight participant. Since then, the company has launched four other individuals to space, including Dr. Simonyi, who completed his first space mission in the spring of 2007.

"Having a repeat orbital client demonstrates to the world that participating in a space mission is truly a magnificent and awe-inspiring experience. It is also an excellent example that the marketplace is even larger than previously anticipated because of the potential occurrence of clients who fly on multiple occasions," said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. "We congratulate Charles on his continued commitment to commercial spaceflight. We look forward to assisting him in preparation for the spring 2009 mission."

Space Adventures' sixth orbital spaceflight client, Richard Garriott, son of NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, is currently scheduled to launch to the ISS on October 12, 2008.

No other information is available at this time.

posted 10-02-2008 12:14 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by jasonelam:
...what happened to Nik Halik, who is Garriott's backup and I would have assumed to be the next one up?

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posted 10-07-2008 09:20 AM               

"It is also an excellent example that the marketplace is even larger than previously anticipated..."

posted 10-07-2008 09:26 AM               

American billionaire Charles Simonyi snagged his history-making second space tourist trip to the International Space Station next year thanks to an elite club that gives its members first dibs on private spaceflight seats.

Simonyi, 60, is paying about $35 million to launch to the space station in spring 2009 aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft on a spaceflight that will come two years after his first $25 million flight. He's flying again under a deal between Russia's Federal Space Agency and the Vienna, Va.-based firm Space Adventures.

It was through Space Adventures' Orbital Missions Explorers Circle program that Simonyi nabbed his second trip to space. The elite six-person club requires a $5 million deposit and gives its members first pick at new space tourist seats as they become available, though it does depend on the order in which they signed up, Space Adventures officials told SPACE.com.

Simonyi said he was second in line after Google co-founder Sergey Brin, who announced his intention to fly in space in June but passed on the open seat next spring.

posted 10-07-2008 09:28 AM               

Space Adventures Announces Esther Dyson as Back-Up Crew Member for Spring 2009 Spaceflight Mission

Investor and philanthropist will train alongside Charles Simonyi

Today, Space Adventures, Ltd., the only company that provides human space missions to the world marketplace, announced that Esther Dyson, an investor in Space Adventures and many other innovative companies, will train as the back-up crew member alongside orbital spaceflight candidate Charles Simonyi, Ph.D., who is currently planning a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in spring 2009.

"As many of our investors are also space enthusiasts, we are delighted that as a back-up crew member, Esther will experience first-hand how our clients train for spaceflight," said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. "After successful completion of the program, she will be certified as a 'fully trained cosmonaut' and will be named to an official space mission crew. This is a distinction that less than 1,000 people have ever had. We look forward to the day when she launches to space herself."

Space Adventures became world renowned in 2001 with the launch of client Dennis Tito, the world's first privately funded spaceflight participant. Since then, the company has launched four other individuals to space, including Dr. Simonyi, who completed his first space mission in the spring of 2007.

"As an investor in Space Adventures, I am thrilled to be training as a cosmonaut and learning about space travel firsthand - especially with Charles, whom I have known since the 80s when he was writing software for Microsoft," said Esther Dyson. "I fully expect to follow him all the way up to space sometime in the future. My father helped design a rocket-ship when I was a kid, and I have always assumed I will go into space myself."

Mr. Anderson added, "Not only is Esther a successful investor and philanthropist, but she is also well-known in the blogosphere. She will be sharing her spaceflight training experience and insights with thousands of people and will undoubtedly inspire others to pursue their own dreams."

The price of the back-up crew member program is $3,000,000 (USD), which includes the required spaceflight training costs, along with accommodations in Star City and other training locations.

Space Adventures' current orbital spaceflight client, Richard Garriott, son of NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, is scheduled to launch to the ISS on October 12, 2008.

About Esther Dyson:

Esther Dyson is chairman of EDventure Holdings. Following 25 years editing the computer industry newsletter Release 1.0 and hosting PC Forum, she is now an active investor/board member for a variety of start-ups in IT, consumer-directed health care/genetics, and air and space travel. Her aerospace investments include not only Space Adventures, but also XCOR Aerospace, Airship Ventures, Coastal Technologies Group and Icon Aircraft. Her successful exits have included Flickr and del.icio.us (both sold to Yahoo!), Medstory (sold to Microsoft) and Brightmail (sold to Symantec). She sits on the boards (among others) of Yandex, the leading Russian search engine; 23andMe, the consumer genome company; and WPP Group, the marketing/communications company. She is also a director of the Sunlight Foundation, the Santa Fe Institute and the National Endowment for Democracy. She will be blogging about her training on her blog (mirrored at Huffington Post).

posted 02-13-2009 03:10 PM               

Q: Is it correct that you represented Hungary as a junior Cosmonaut when you were 13 years old, and won a trip to Moscow to meet Pavel Popovich, who was one of Russia's first Cosmonauts? At that time, did you have dreams of going into space?

A. That was a completely different world. It was a world based on secrecy, which frustrated me to no end. Frankly, I thought I'd never see the spacecraft or the rocket that takes it into orbit. Just meeting the person who goes into space was such a privilege. A lot has changed since then. Fortunately, Mr. Popovich is still alive and healthy. I met him when I came back from space the first time; he was at the celebration of my crewmates and myself, and he was very friendly and acknowledged our meeting. I'm sure he had only a vague recollection of it, but I had his signature and the postcard he sent me. Back then, cosmonauts were like movie stars or rock stars. When you look at the equipment that they use, you know that they were real heroes. Right now, of course, it is completely different. They have been in flight so many times, and it has improved so much, that it is really incredibly reliable.

posted 03-19-2009 08:45 AM               

Space Adventures' Orbital Spaceflight Client Charles Simonyi Outlines Mission Activities As He Readies For Launch To The International Space Station

Simonyi Makes History as the First Repeat Private Space Explorer

In preparation for his March 26 launch, Charles Simonyi has outlined the mission objectives he hopes to achieve during his second visit to the International Space Station (ISS). Dr. Simonyi is the seventh orbital client for Space Adventures, Ltd., the only company that provides human space missions to the world marketplace.

Dr. Simonyi will make history during his spaceflight by becoming the first private explorer to complete a second mission to space. He previously flew to the ISS in spring 2007 as Space Adventures' fifth orbital client. On his return mission, Dr. Simonyi aims to continue to make contributions toward space research, and advance civilian space travel while inspiring kids in their studies of science and math.

"I feel my efforts are helping to open the space frontier to private travel. Just like all industries, it takes commitment and investment from a few key organizations and customers in order to open it to a larger market. Each time Space Adventures launches an orbital explorer, like myself, we are one step closer to making this dream a reality for others," said Dr. Simonyi. "I'm honored to return to the ISS and excited to conduct scientific experiments for the European Space Agency and for other national space organizations. I also hope my mission inspires young people all over the world to pursue science and engineering careers."

Dr. Simonyi will launch to the ISS aboard the Soyuz TMA-14 spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. He will travel with the Expedition 19 crew, which includes Commander Gennady Padalka of the Russian space agency and Flight Engineer Michael Barratt of NASA, for his 12-day mission.

Mission Activities
During his stay aboard the ISS, Dr. Simonyi will focus on research and educational outreach:

Educational Outreach
He will communicate with hundreds of students via HAM radio signal in cooperation with Amateur Radio on the ISS (ARISS). He aims to motivate and inspire students, delivering the message that all it takes to reach one's dreams is study and determination.

Research and Experiments
Dr. Simonyi will once again contribute to the research of the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Hungarian Space Office. Part of Dr. Simonyi's mission objectives are to advance the understanding of the health effects of spaceflight.

In cooperation with ESA, Dr. Simonyi will perform a series of experiments developed by investigators, including the:

• Study of the physical impact of spaceflight on cosmonauts and astronauts through Early Detection of Osteoporosis in Space
  
• Study of the occurrence and development of Low Back Pain during spaceflight

Dr. Simonyi also will work closely with the Hungarian Space Office and the Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation as he plans to measure and monitor radiation on the ISS using a dosimeter, called PILLE-MKS. Astronauts and cosmonauts living and working on the space station are exposed to galactic and solar cosmic radiation, which may have potential long-term health effects. Dr. Simonyi participated in this experiment on his first mission and looks forward to continuing to assist in generating a map of the radiation environment on the space station. The results of the project will be helpful in designing better spacecraft shielding for future ISS crews.

As an independent project, Dr. Simonyi will use Windows on Earth software, developed by TERC, to assist him in photographing our planet. Individuals who are interested in tracking Dr. Simonyi's mission can also utilize the software, observing Earth as he does.

www.CharlesinSpace.com
Dr. Simonyi will share his experiences on a daily basis through his Web site, charlesinspace.com. The site's "Follow the Updates" section will feature live video from NASA TV, as well as Dr. Simonyi's audio recordings direct from space. Dr. Simonyi will also continue to blog while in orbit and answer questions posed by visitors on his site. Students will be able to participate in his mission by taking an online Kids' Quiz.

About Charles Simonyi
Dr. Simonyi's return mission to the ISS is the latest destination in a life defined by exploration and discovery. Born in Budapest, he had a passion for science, math, technology and space. Dr. Simonyi learned computer programming early in life, which would shape his professional career for decades and enable him to achieve his entrepreneurial dreams. At the age of 13, Dr. Simonyi represented Hungary as a junior Cosmonaut and won a trip to Moscow to meet one of the first Cosmonauts, Pavel Popovich.

Dr. 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, leading the development of Microsoft Word and Excel.

In August of 2002, Dr. Simonyi left Microsoft and founded Intentional Software Corporation, an engineering company focused on improving the way organizations write software. He founded the Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences in 2003 to support arts organizations, and science institutions, such as the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, among others.

He is a trained pilot in multi-engine aircraft and instrument flying, currently holding licenses for jets and helicopters, and has logged more than 2,000 hours of flying time. In 2007, he became the fifth private citizen to travel into space.

Dr. Simonyi is married to Lisa Persdotter who worked in asset management and marketing.

About Space Adventures
Space Adventures, the company that organized the flights for the world's first private space explorers, is headquartered in Vienna, Va. with an office in Moscow. It offers a variety of programs such as the availability today for spaceflight missions to the International Space Station and around the moon, Zero-Gravity flights, cosmonaut training, spaceflight qualification programs and reservations on future suborbital spacecrafts. The company's advisory board includes Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin, Shuttle astronauts Sam Durrance, Tom Jones, Byron Lichtenberg, Norm Thagard, Kathy Thornton, Pierre Thuot, Charles Walker, Skylab/Shuttle astronaut Owen Garriott and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Usachev.

posted 03-26-2009 09:12 AM               

Space Adventures' Orbital Spaceflight Client Charles Simonyi Successfully Launches to the International Space Station

Simonyi Makes History as He Commences His Second Space Mission

Space Adventures, Ltd., the only company that provides human space missions to the world marketplace, today announced that its orbital client Charles Simonyi and his crew successfully launched aboard a Soyuz-TMA spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan en route to the International Space Station (ISS). Simonyi joins the Expedition 19 crew, which includes Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka and NASA astronaut Mike Barratt.

Dr. Simonyi will make history during his spaceflight by becoming the first private explorer to complete a second mission to space. He previously flew to the ISS in spring 2007 as Space Adventures' fifth orbital client. On his return mission, Dr. Simonyi aims to continue to make contributions toward space research, and advance civilian space travel while inspiring kids in their studies of science and math.

"We applaud Charles on his continued commitment and investment to commercial spaceflight. Having a repeat orbital client demonstrates to the world that participating in a space mission is truly a magnificent and awe-inspiring experience," said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. "Charles is an inspiration and it has been a pleasure and an honor to assist him in living his dream, twice!"

Space Adventures became world renowned eight years ago with the launch of client Dennis Tito, the world's first privately funded spaceflight participant. Since then, the company has launched five other individuals to space, including Dr. Simonyi. In 2011, Space Adventures will launch the first private mission to the ISS with its long-standing partner, the Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation. This private spaceflight will be a fully dedicated mission of the Soyuz-TMA spacecraft with two seats available for private space explorers, along with a comprehensive package of mission services including science, education and media program options.

About Charles Simonyi
Dr. Simonyi will share his spaceflight experiences on a daily basis through his Web site, CharlesinSpace.com. The site's "Follow the Updates" section features live video from NASA TV, as well as Dr. Simonyi's audio recordings direct from space. Dr. Simonyi will also continue to blog while on the space station and answer questions posed by visitors to his site. Students can participate in his mission by taking an online Kids' Quiz.

Dr. Simonyi's return mission to the ISS is the latest destination in a life defined by exploration and discovery. Born in Budapest, he had a passion for science, math, technology and space. Dr. Simonyi learned computer programming early in life, which would shape his professional career for decades and enable him to achieve his entrepreneurial dreams. At the age of 13, Dr. Simonyi represented Hungary as a junior cosmonaut and won a trip to Moscow to meet one of the first cosmonauts, Pavel Popovich.

Dr. 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, leading the development of Microsoft Word and Excel.

In August of 2002, Dr. Simonyi left Microsoft and founded Intentional Software Corporation, an engineering company focused on improving the way organizations write software. He founded the Charles Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences in 2003 to support arts organizations, and science institutions, such as the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, among others.

He is a trained pilot in multi-engine aircraft and instrument flying, currently holding licenses for jets and helicopters, and has logged more than 2,000 hours of flying time. In 2007, he became the fifth private citizen to travel into space.

Dr. Simonyi is married to Lisa Persdotter who worked in asset management and marketing.

About Space Adventures
Space Adventures, the company that organized the flights for the world's first private space explorers, is headquartered in Vienna, Va. with an office in Moscow. It offers a variety of programs such as the availability today for spaceflight missions to the International Space Station and around the moon, Zero-Gravity flights, cosmonaut training, spaceflight qualification programs and reservations on future suborbital spacecrafts. The company's advisory board includes Apollo 11 moonwalker Buzz Aldrin, Shuttle astronauts Sam Durrance, Tom Jones, Byron Lichtenberg, Norm Thagard, Kathy Thornton, Pierre Thuot, Charles Walker, Skylab/Shuttle astronaut Owen Garriott and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Usachev.

posted 04-08-2009 03:34 AM               

Space Adventures' Orbital Spaceflight Client Charles Simonyi Returns to Earth after Completing Second Mission to the International Space Station

Simonyi Made History as the First Repeat Private Space Explorer

Space Adventures, Ltd., the only company that provides human space missions to the world marketplace, today announced that its client Charles Simonyi and his crew successfully landed in the Kazakhstan steppes after a visit to the International Space Station (ISS). Simonyi returned to Earth aboard the Soyuz TMA-13 spacecraft with Expedition 18 crewmembers Michael Fincke and Yuri Lonchokov, who both spent six months aboard the orbiting outpost.

Dr. Simonyi made history by becoming the first private explorer to complete a second mission to space. He previously flew to the ISS in spring 2007 as Space Adventures' fifth orbital client.

"With my second mission, I did much more work, but I was also able to rest and relax. I was physically more prepared and more comfortable given the resources that I brought with me," said Charles Simonyi. "I am very happy to have made the decision to fly again."

During his stay aboard the space station, Dr. Simonyi focused on educational outreach and research:

• He communicated with hundreds of students via HAM radio signal in cooperation with Amateur Radio on the ISS.

• On behalf of the European Space Agency, Dr. Simonyi performed a series of experiments, including the study of the physical impact of spaceflight on cosmonauts and astronauts through Early Detection of Osteoporosis in Space and the study of the occurrence and development of Low Back Pain during spaceflight.

• Working closely with the Hungarian Space Office and the Russian space agency, Dr. Simonyi measured and monitored radiation on the ISS using a dosimeter. He participated in this experiment on his first mission and the results of the project will be helpful in designing better spacecraft shielding for future crews.

• Dr. Simonyi also used Windows on Earth software, developed by TERC, to assist him in photographing our planet.

Dr. Simonyi shared his experiences daily through his Web site, charlesinspace.com. The site features video clips from NASA TV, as well as Dr. Simonyi's audio recordings direct from space. He also blogged while in orbit and answered questions posed by visitors to his site.