Next Space Tourist - Charles Simonyi - Prepares for March 2007 Spaceflight

Space Adventures, a leading space experiences company, has confirmed that Charles Simonyi, Ph.D., is scheduled to be the latest 'Space Tourist' and launch on March 9, 2007 onboard Soyuz TMA-10 en route to the International Space Station (ISS).

As a software pioneer and aviator, Dr. Simonyi brings his passion for flight and engineering to the international cooperative effort in space. During his eight-day stay aboard the ISS, he will assist several international space agencies by conducting experiments. As part of his preparations for the mission, Dr. Simonyi will continue his training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Russia later this month.

“As Charles delves deeper into training, I am sure he will enjoy the experience as much as Space Adventures’ previous clients. The training is a comprehensive overview of the mission that ensures the participants are adequately prepared for their spaceflight,” said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. “As an experienced pilot, Charles is very knowledgeable in aviation and has a keen interest in space technology.”

“I am fascinated by the technologies utilized by the American and Russian space programs,” said Dr. Simonyi. “As an engineer, I look forward to studying the different engineering approaches.”

Space Adventures organized the flights for the world's first private space explorers: Dennis Tito, Mark Shuttleworth, Greg Olsen and Anousheh Ansari.

Dr. Simonyi’s mission to the ISS is the latest destination in a life defined by exploration and discovery. 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.

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