Software Billionaire Makes Second Trip Into Space

United States based software mogul and billionaire, Charles Simonyi is set to aboard the International Space Station today to make history yet again, this time being the first space tourist to make the trip twice. Simonyi has paid a total of $60 million for the two space trips thus far but does not plan to make a third trip.

"I cannot fly for the third time because I have just married and I have to spend time with my family," Simonyi said who married last November.

During his 13-day mission Simonyi will help others onboard the space station with research projects and also take part of live broadcasts with schools.

The International Space Station will now have a total of six members living on board the outpost after the new solar wings were added last week and the urine recycler repaired to support the new larger crew size.

"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 worlds 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.