Space traveler Charles Simonyi has signed up for his second trip to the International Space Station, Space Adventures Ltd. announced.
Simonyi reportedly spent more than $20 million for his first visit to the International Space Station two years ago.
He already has begun training for the second trip.
Simonyi will make history during his spaceflight by becoming the first private explorer to complete a second mission to space, according to the company. He previously flew to the ISS in spring 2007 as Space Adventures’ fifth orbital space client. His second launch is scheduled for March 26.
Simonyi will travel onboard the Soyuz TMA-14 spacecraft with Expedition 19 crewmembers. In preparation for his spaceflight, Dr. Simonyi will complete a cosmonaut-training program at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center located in Star City, Russia. The training program will include physical training and medical check-ups, as well as refresher courses on all of the technical aspects related to the mission.
A leading software pioneer and aviator, Dr. Simonyi’s passion for flight, engineering and space exploration inspired his second mission to space. During his 12-day stay aboard the ISS, Dr. Simonyi will focus on research and educational outreach. Efforts will include conducting scientific experiments in space, taking pictures of the Earth and talking with students around the world via ham radio.
“My first mission introduced me to the extraordinary experience of orbital spaceflight. 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. Returning to space for a second time is a great opportunity to put to use what I have learned,” he said. “I hope to use my return mission to inspire young people all over the world to pursue science and engineering and to continue communicate the idea that space will become more and more accessible.”
Simonyi received 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, he worked at the Xerox Corp. Palo Alto Research Center.
He then joined Microsoft Corp., where he 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 Corp., an 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, and science institutions, such as the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, NJ, among others.
Simonyi is married to Lisa Persdotter who worked in asset management and marketing.