'Tourinaut' First Flew To Station In Spring 2007

Global space tourism provider Space Adventures announced Tuesday 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 known 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 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."

No word yet on whether ISS crews will again be able to feast on gourmet cuisine brought onboard by Simonyi... as was the case for the Expedition 15 crew last year.

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. Those hoping to ride their own rocket to space must ante up over $20 million for the privilege, and fly onboard Russian Soyuz capsules.

FMI: www.spaceadventures.com, www.charlesinspace.com