Fri, Mar 20, 2009
Simonyi Will Be First Repeat Private Space Explorer
In preparation for his March 26
launch to the International Space Station, Charles Simonyi has
outlined the mission objectives he hopes to achieve during his
second visit to the International Space Station.
Simonyi will make history during his spaceflight by becoming the
first private explorer to complete a second mission to space.
As ANN reported, he previously flew to the ISS
in spring 2007 as Space Adventures' fifth orbital client.
On his return mission, 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.
Simonyi will also contribute to research on behalf of the European
Space Agency (ESA), Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation
and the Hungarian Space Office.
Part of Dr. Simonyi's mission objectives are to advance the
understanding of the health effects of spaceflight. As an
independent project, Dr. Simonyi will use Windows on Earth
software, developed by TERC, to assist him in photographing the
planet.
"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 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."
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.
Simonyi is the seventh orbital client for Space Adventures,
Ltd., the only company that provides human space missions to the
world marketplace.
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