posted 09-28-2007 10:39 AM               

Space Adventures Announces 1st Second Generation Astronaut Plans Flight to International Space Station

Space Adventures, Ltd., the world's leading space experiences company, announced today that famed game developer Richard Garriott, son of former NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, has begun preparations for a "commercially active" mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Mr. Garriott's spaceflight, currently planned for October 2008, will be the first in a series of missions that will accommodate commercial activity aboard the ISS. Involvement from the private sector can include scientific and environmental research and educational outreach programming.

"It has always been Space Adventures' goal to open the space frontier. Now, with Richard's flight, we have designed a series of missions devoted to increase commercial involvement in manned space missions," said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. "It is a very rare occasion when so many commercial opportunities are available in one space mission. We encourage interested parties to contact us."

Space Adventures made history in 2001 by organizing the mission of the first private space explorer. Now, the company continues to bring innovation to manned spaceflight by enabling corporate and non-profit entities to participate in commercial endeavors on the planet's only orbiting outpost.

"I am dedicating my spaceflight to science," said Mr. Garriott. "It is my goal to devote a significant amount of my time aboard the space station to science, engineering and educational projects. I understand the necessity for conducting research in extreme environments whether it is collecting microorganisms from deep sea hydrothermal vents to carrying out experiments in the continuous micro-gravity of Earth orbit." He continued, "We need to be adventurous in mind and simulate our intellects to answer today's most daunting scientific questions and to invent tomorrow's technological marvels."

The first commercial research partner involved in Mr. Garriott's mission is ExtremoZyme, Inc., a biotechnology company co-founded by Owen Garriott. The company plans to conduct protein crystallization experiments in space with proteins that have important cellular functions and are usually associated with common human diseases. Having access to these superior crystals will enable researchers to learn more about the molecular details of these proteins which is essential for protein engineering and structure-guided drug design.

"Because of my career, it was almost natural for Richard to be interested in space and exploration. I am so pleased that he is able to embrace this himself and that he is dedicating his flight to research. I am very proud of him," said Owen Garriott, Mr. Garriott's father and former NASA astronaut (Skylab II/SL-3, STS-9/Spacelab-1).

Interested parties, including commercial and non-profit entities and space enthusiasts, can get involved in Mr. Garriott's spaceflight via his website (richardinspace.com). Mr. Garriott will be updating the site continuously via photos, blog entries and individuals can submit questions and suggestions for his mission activities. "I want to involve as many people as possible in my mission," said Mr. Garriott.

About Richard Garriott:
Richard Garriott is best known as a key figure in the computer gaming field. He was one of the earliest and most successful game developers. Mr. Garriott developed the Ultima series which remains the longest running computer game franchise, and with his brother, Robert, he founded Origin Systems, one of the most respected PC game developers and publishers. Richard also created Ultima Online, which ushered in the new massively multi-player online (MMO) genre, the fastest growing segment in computer gaming today. More recently, he co-founded the North American arm of NCsoft, the world's largest online game developer and publisher. In October, his latest game, Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa, will ship in North America and in the European Union.

posted 10-03-2007 11:25 AM               

And, [Richard Garriott] added, he is hoping to accomplish something on the flight that no other space tourist has done: take a spacewalk, an option Space Adventures announced last year for an extra $15 million. "But that is NOT yet set in stone," he wrote. He has had two suited-up training sessions in a Russian underwater facility, he said, and "It's MUCH harder than it looks." Air pressure stiffens the suit, and every movement is a struggle.

"I now know why my dad always had hand gripper exercise devices at his desk."

posted 11-15-2007 08:55 AM               

Space Adventures Offers Unique Opportunity to Participate in Richard Garriott's Orbital Spaceflight Mission as Back-up Crew Member

Today, Space Adventures, Ltd., the world's leading space experiences company, announced that for the first time the coveted opportunity to train as a private space explorer alongside one of its orbital spaceflight candidates, and among professional astronauts, is now available to the public.

"Participation as an official back-up crew member is a once in a lifetime opportunity for an individual, or a company sponsoring an individual, to experience first-hand how our clients train for spaceflight," said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. "It is with great enthusiasm that we, along with Richard, offer this position to a member of the public. The individual selected will be someone who not only has a genuine interest in human spaceflight, but also one who is able to be an active participant in Richard's mission, to include being featured in a documentary TV series."

Famed game developer and son of former NASA astronaut, Richard Garriott, currently planning a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in October 2008, will begin spaceflight preparations after the first of the year.

"I want to involve as many people as possible in my mission and this is one of the most innovative ways to do so," said Richard Garriott. "I encourage anyone who has ever dreamed of traveling to space to contact to Space Adventures. Not only will the back-up crew member be certified as a 'fully-trained cosmonaut' and be named to an official space mission crew, a distinction that less than 1,000 people have ever had; but, our combined participation is a step forward in the progression of our expansion into the cosmos."

"The back-up crew member's financial investment into this program can be credited in-full toward a future orbital or lunar spaceflight mission," added Mr. Anderson. The price of the program is $3,000,000 (USD) which includes the required spaceflight training costs, along with accommodations in Star City and other training locations.

"If I had not trained as a back-up crew member in 2006, then I would never have flown to space that year," said Anousheh Ansari, Space Adventures' fourth orbital client and first female spaceflight participant to launch to the ISS. "The training was exhilarating and ultimately prepared me for my flight which I'm thankful for."

Mr. Garriott's spaceflight is the first in a series of missions that will accommodate commercial activity aboard the ISS. Involvement from the private sector will range from scientific and environmental research to educational outreach programming.

posted 11-25-2007 03:15 PM               

Self-described "thrillionaire" Nik Halik has been named as the back-up crewman for next year's October commercial flight to the International Space Station.

The entrepreneur and adventurer will pay $3.4 million to complete seven months' full-time training next year to become a cosmonaut.

Mr Halik, 38, who has already completed extensive space flight training, will train alongside Texan computer game developer Richard Garriott, who has been chosen for the flight.

If Mr Garriott withdraws, Mr Halik will take his place on a Russian Soyuz rocket through private company Space Adventures.

posted 01-21-2008 10:11 AM               

Space Adventures' Orbital Spaceflight Client, Richard Garriott, Begins Cosmonaut Training for October Spaceflight Launch

Space Adventures, Ltd., the world's leading space experiences company, announced today that famed game developer Richard Garriott, son of former NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, has begun training at the Yuri Gagarin Training Center in Star City, Russia in preparation for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) currently planned for October.

"I am quite excited to be in training now and I look forward to all aspects that it will entail," said Richard Garriott. "But, I am particularly enthusiastic to be here in Star City, as a resident, with its amazing history of space exploration. I'm honored to surround myself with its people and I am determined to learn as much as I possibly can, inside and outside the classroom."

Mr. Garriott's spaceflight will be the first in a series of missions that will accommodate commercial activity aboard the ISS. Involvement from the private sector will include scientific and environmental research and educational outreach programming.

"Since announcing Richard's intent to fly, we have been contacted by numerous corporations and non-profits seeking ways in which to participate in his space mission," said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. "It is a very rare occasion when so many commercial opportunities are available during one spaceflight. In the coming months, we will be announcing Richard's mission partners and details on his planned on-orbit activities."

Space Adventures made history in 2001 by organizing the mission of the first private space explorer. Now, the company continues to bring innovation to manned spaceflight by enabling corporate and non-profit entities to participate in commercial endeavors on the planet's only orbiting outpost.

posted 01-28-2008 10:29 AM               

Space Adventures Announces the Identity of Back-up Crew Member for Richard Garriott's Orbital Spaceflight Mission

Australian entrepreneur and investment wealth strategist selected

Today, Space Adventures, Ltd., the world's leading space experiences company, announced that Nik Halik of Australia has been chosen to train as the back-up crew member alongside our orbital spaceflight candidate, famed game developer and son of former NASA astronaut, Richard Garriott, who is currently planning a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) in October.

"Through his participation as a back-up crew member, Nik will experience first-hand how our clients train for spaceflight and he, himself, will be certified as a 'fully-trained cosmonaut' and will be named to an official space mission crew, a distinction that less than 1,000 people have ever had," said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures.

"I am thrilled to be chosen as Richard's back-up. I have dreamed of flying to space ever since I was a young boy. I watched recordings of Neil Armstrong's first steps on the moon's surface and I vowed to follow," said Nik Halik. "The space station will be my first stop, with my eyes focused on the moon."

"Not only is Nik a successful entrepreneur, but he is also an avid adventurer. Among his various expeditions, he was the first Australian to dive down five miles and land on the bow of the Titanic and he will be the first civilian from Australia to travel to space," added Mr. Anderson.

"Nik and I have similar exploratory backgrounds and we'll have many stories to share during our time together in Star City. I look forward to train with him because not only is it meant to prepare myself for flight, but also to prepare Nik for his future flight. I definitely will be on-hand for his eventual launch to space," said Mr. Garriott.

The price of the program is $3,000,000 (USD) which includes the required spaceflight training costs, along with accommodations in Star City and other training locations.

About Nik Halik
Nik Halik, born in Australia to Greek immigrant parents, is the CEO and founder of several companies including Financial Freedom Institute and Money Masters. As an international wealth strategist, he has conducted over 100 'Mind and Wealth Prosperity' conferences globally and mentored investors in maximizing their wealth accumulation. His latest book that will be published and globally released in March 2008, "The Thrillionaire", is an autobiography that also provides astute investment strategies. Mr. Halik is also an adventurer. He has lead expeditions to Antarctica, Africa and the Amazon with his adventure company, ADVENTURE ODYSSEY. Mr. Halik is a mountaineer, having summited several of the highest peaks in the world with an Everest climb planned for 2009. Nik is also an avid stormchaser in the U.S. Midwest's Tornado Alley. He is 38 years-old and resides amongst his homes in the Greek Islands, Morocco and Australia.

posted 02-18-2008 06:14 AM               

TSR: Anything else cool that you're bringing?

Garriott: In addition to many more commercial and educational activities, I will be doing the first art show in space featuring the art of my mother, who inspired half the brain that was required for me to be in the high-tech art business.

posted 03-04-2008 08:59 PM               

Space Challenge! Extreme Science and Enterprise @ 27,000 km per hour and 340km above the Earth

UK students from 7 to 19 yrs to have a unique opportunity to contribute to out-of-this-world science and enterprise

UK students will have a chance to get involved in two out-of-this-world space science experiments when British-born space entrepreneur Richard Garriott arrives at the International Space Station (ISS) this Autumn.

Developed in partnership with the British National Space Centre (BNSC), which co-ordinates civil space activities in the UK, and US company Space Adventures, which provides spaceflight opportunities for private citizens, the educational outreach programme will include challenges for both primary and secondary school students across the UK:

• Primary schools students will be invited to design an experiment to be carried out by Mr. Garriott on the International Space Station and reviewed by retired astronaut Dr. Owen Garriott and by leading UK scientists including Dr Samantha Wynne, Cambridge University, and Professor Peter McCowan, Queen Mary, University of London.

• Students aged 11-19 will be invited to imagine how space enterprise could develop in the future for space tourism companies including Space Adventures, using facilities such as the International Space Station.

The two challenges were launched to schools on 28 February 2008 at the Education Show by Dr Maggie Aderin, space scientist and television presenter. The deadline for student entries is 20 June 2008.

Mr Garriott is currently undergoing cosmonaut training at Star City in Russia for his forthcoming mission to the ISS.

He said: "I am dedicating my spaceflight to science and enterprise. We need to be adventurous in mind and stimulate our intellects to answer today's most daunting scientific questions and to invent tomorrow's technological marvels. We need more than great ideas - we need to make them happen."

A Russian Soyuz rocket will launch Mr Garriott up to the International Space Station where he will spend between eight and ten days. As part of his mission training at Star City, he will learn spacecraft operation, survival and experimental techniques as well as undergoing medical testing to ensure he is ready for space.

The educational challenges are part of the wider UK Civil Space Strategy 2008-2012 and beyond announced on 14 February 2008 which demonstrates a renewed commitment to use space to inspire future generations.

Jeremy Curtis, from the BNSC UK Space Strategy Group, said:

"We're delighted by this opportunity for UK students to experience the excitement of real science from the curriculum and to see their experiments carried out by Richard Garriott on his flight to the International Space Station later this year."

Competition winners will be announced by Dr Piers Sellers, British-born NASA astronaut and spacewalker, on 28 September 2008 at the International Astronautical Congress in Glasgow.

Educational organisations, companies and space enthusiasts can get involved in Mr Garriott's spaceflight to the International Space Station by visiting his website: richardinspace.com

Mr. Garriott, who will be updating his site regularly with photographs and blog entries on his forthcoming spaceflight, added: "I want to involve as many people as possible in my mission."

posted 03-18-2008 12:24 PM               

Go For Launch! Challenger Center Heads to International Space Station

Richard Garriott is a preeminent game developer and son of NASA Skylab Astronaut Owen Garriott. As the next civilian to fly into space, Richard plans to follow the lead of Educator Astronaut Barbara Morgan, STS-118, through interactive lessons that will motivate and inspire students. His flight is currently scheduled for lift-off to the International Space Station on October 12, 2008. Richard is a former student of Dr. June Scobee Rodgers, the Founding Chairman of Challenger Center for Space Science Education and widow of that flight's Commander, Dick Scobee. After the tragic loss of the Challenger space shuttle crew, Richard worked with Dr. Scobee Rodgers on the design of the first Challenger Learning Center. There are now over 50 Challenger Learning Centers in the United States, Canada, England and South Korea. Richard will continue the mission of Teacher-in-Space Christa McAuliffe, as did Barbara Morgan, as he delivers activities and challenges from the International Space Station. Garriott's flight activities have the potential to reach children across the globe as he reaches out from the first Challenger Learning Center off the planet.

Garriott plans to spend time before, during and after his flight working with students, teachers and the 50 Challenger Learning Centers located in the United States, England, Canada and South Korea. He plans to conduct a series of interactive webcasts associated with his spaceflight training in Russia; conduct podcasts discussing activities related to both his training and spaceflight; hold amateur ham radio conversations with students during his flight; and perform experiments that can be replicated by students using everyday objects to demonstrate important concepts in physics. Students can predict what might happen during the same experiment in the microgravity (weightless) environment of space.

Dr. June Scobee Rodgers plans to present lessons to students over the web in preparation for Richard Garriott's flight. "Like father, like son," says Dr. Rodgers, commenting on her former student's plans. "Dr. Owen Garriott also taught student science lessons from space on his Skylab mission, as Richard plans to do on his flight." Richard Garriott's experiments, webcasts, and podcasts about his flight will be available on the Challenger Center's national website.

Challenger Center for Space Science Education was founded in 1986 by the families of the astronauts of the space shuttle Challenger 51-L mission. It is dedicated to the educational spirit of that mission and impacts over 300,000 students and 25,000 teachers each year. Challenger Learning Center programs at 50 centers around the world continue the crew's mission of engaging teachers and students in science, mathematics, engineering and technology.

posted 04-16-2008 12:08 AM               

Private Space Explorer Wants To Take Your Photo From Space

Association of Space Explorers Offers First-Of-Its-Kind "Earth Portraits"

Since the start of the Space Age 50 years ago, hundreds of thousands of photographs of the Earth have been taken by astronauts and cosmonauts. Now, for the first time ever, the public can request their own personal photo of our home planet through the Association of Space Explorers' (ASE) "Earth Portraits" program.

ASE, a non-profit organization of over 300 flown astronauts and cosmonauts from 32 nations, in collaboration with spaceflight participant Richard Garriott, who is set to launch to the International Space Station (ISS) in October 2008, has partnered with collectSPACE.com, the leading online resource for space history enthusiasts, to offer Earth Portraits.

"The Association of Space Explorers' Earth Portraits allows me a way to share the excitement of seeing the Earth from orbit with enthusiasts from around the world. I look forward to taking their pictures from space," said Richard Garriott, the software developer behind the popular Ultima series and Tabula Rasa games, as well as the son of U.S. astronaut Owen Garriott.

Earth Portrait subscribers will have the opportunity to request a photograph of a specific location on Earth, to be taken by Garriott during his week-long stay on the ISS. Once back home, Garriott will autograph and inscribe each Earth Portrait with a message of the subscriber's choice. Further, every subscriber has the bonus opportunity to receive a collectible item that flew with Garriott on his mission.

"The view of Earth from space has been captivating astronauts and cosmonauts since Yuri Gagarin exclaimed 'I see Earth! It is so beautiful!' on his trailblazing flight in April 1961. Our members, who followed Gagarin into space, all share the same passion for the views space flight has provided them of their home planet. We are proud to be the first to offer the public their chance to own unique photos of their hometowns or other favorite locales on Earth," said Andy Turnage, ASE Executive Director.

Subscriptions to the Association of Space Explorers' Earth Portraits are limited to only 200 people and must be made before May 23, 2008. Proceeds from Earth Portraits will go to support the ASE's educational and environmental programs, as well as further development of the "Windows on Earth" software that Garriott will use to target each of the Earth Portraits.

About the Association of Space Explorers
The Association of Space Explorers (ASE) is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) professional and educational organization of over 300 flown astronauts and cosmonauts from 32 nations. Founded in 1985, ASE's mission is to provide a forum for professional dialogue among individuals who have flown in space; to promote the benefits of space science and exploration; to promote education in science and mathematics and inspire students at all levels; to foster environmental awareness; and to encourage international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. ASE has partnered with TERC (Technical Education Research Centers) in the development of Windows on Earth, a revolutionary tool designed to simulate the actual view out of particular windows on the space station, with targets for photography clearly marked.

About collectSPACE.com
Founded in 1999, collectSPACE.com is the leading online resource and community for space history enthusiasts, including historians, museum curators and conservators, educators, students, authors and private collectors of space history memorabilia. The website offers original news and feature articles, an active discussion board with the participation of many who helped make space history, and the only worldwide calendar for astronauts' and cosmonauts' public appearances.

posted 07-30-2008 06:47 PM               

Video Gamers Immortalized in Space by NCsoft

Sending digital time capsule with human DNA on Richard Garriott's journey to International Space Station

Could you be the savior of humankind? NCsoft, the world's leading publisher and developer of online computer games, has announced it will launch the "Immortality Drive" - a time capsule with the digitized DNA of select video game players and space aficionados - into orbit when famed game designer Richard Garriott travels to the International Space Station in October 2008.

As part of NCsoft's "Operation Immortality," Richard Garriott - the man who created Tabula Rasa, a massively multiplayer online (MMO) PC game that explores the destruction of Earth - is now venturing into space to save humanity.

During the campaign, Tabula Rasa players have a chance to have their DNA sequenced, digitized and sent into space on the Immortality Drive. In addition, all players with active accounts on September 2, 2008 will have their Tabula Rasa characters uploaded to the device, giving them the opportunity to go to space virtually. In order to make this unique opportunity accessible to as many people as possible, free trials of the game are available at this website. Garriott will place the Immortality Drive on the International Space Station when he travels there this fall.

"I've been able to do some very exciting things in the games business, but nothing of this magnitude," said Garriott, executive producer for Tabula Rasa at NCsoft. "I'm thrilled we can offer the once in a lifetime chance to millions of gamers to virtually go to space with me. A select few will have their DNA digitized and sent. And, theoretically, if anything happens to the human race, it could be their DNA that is used to resurrect humanity."

Starting today and lasting through August 31, 2008, anyone with a PC and an Internet connection can go to this website and participate in weekly polls on humanity's greatest achievements which will be included on the Immortality Drive, such as "What is the greatest song of all time?" and "What is the greatest technological breakthrough of all time?" Current Tabula Rasa players, or those who download and play the free trial, will also be able to enter a personal message for inclusion on the Drive.

"This is your chance to leave your mark," says Garriott. "While everyone can participate in the polls at OperationImmortality.com, Tabula Rasa players will be the only gamers in the universe who can say that a piece of them is in space, since we're sending their in-game alter-egos, and for some, their DNA, to space with me."

Tabula Rasa, which launched November 2007, is an intense, fast-paced, sci-fi MMO PC game that puts you in the middle of the never-ending intergalactic fight for freedom against a hostile alien race called the Bane. Players use high-tech weaponry, alien powers, and the help of other Allied Free Sentients (AFS) soldiers to rid the universe of the Bane threat.

With frequent free updates to players, the game world of Tabula Rasa has grown significantly since launch. Upcoming features to the game include clan-owned Control Points, new missions, and Personal Armor Units.

No purchase is necessary to participate in Operation Immortality, with free trials of Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa available at this website. The game is currently available at most major retailers and at the PlayNC store. The retail box includes the first month of online game play. After the first month, players will be charged a monthly subscription fee of US $14.99. The game is rated Teen by the Entertainment Software Rating Board.

For information about Operation Immortality, including full terms and conditions, go to this website. For information on Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa go to this website.

Contents of the Immortality Drive DNA package

posted 08-11-2008 11:26 AM               

"He's also carrying with him "the immortality drive," a computer project that will include a list of humanity's greatest achievements, digitized human DNA and personal messages from Earthlings. The program will be stored on the space station in case calamity were to one day wipe out Earth."

posted 08-11-2008 11:28 AM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by Hart Sastrowardoyo:
Or is someone forecasting doom and gloom to hit Earth in the next 20 years?

---

posted 09-08-2008 09:26 PM               

Should this world ever cease to exist, Stephen Colbert will live on. The comedian's DNA will be digitized and sent to the International Space Station, Comedy Central was to announce Monday. In October, video game designer Richard Garriott will travel to the station and deposit Colbert's genes for an "Immortality Drive."

"I am thrilled to have my DNA shot into space, as this brings me one step closer to my lifelong dream of being the baby at the end of 2001," Colbert said in a statement, referring to the 1968 landmark science fiction film "2001: A Space Odyssey."

Garriott, one of few private citizens to travel into space, is collecting material for a time capsule of human DNA, a history of humanity's greatest achievements and personal messages.

The host of "The Colbert Report" will essentially be preserved so that aliens can clone him.

"In the unlikely event that Earth and humanity are destroyed, mankind can be resurrected with Stephen Colbert's DNA," Garriott said in a statement. "Is there a better person for us to turn to for this high-level responsibility?"

posted 09-09-2008 07:13 AM               

Challenger Center Heads to the International Space Station

Richard Garriott, the next civilian to fly into space and son of NASA's Skylab Astronaut Owen Garriott plans to take up where Educator Astronaut Barbara Morgan left off to inspire the next generation. Garriott is conducting educational activities as a part of his scheduled flight to the International Space Station, slated for October in partnership with the Challenger Center for Space Science Education.

Garriott's efforts will continue Barbara Morgan and Christa McAuliffe's legacy of teaching from space and will reach children around the world from the International Space Station during a series of recorded on orbit activities and live downlinks with students.

Over the past several months, Richard has conducted interactive webcasts about his astronaut training in Russia, and recorded a series of podcast interviews with Challenger Center for students. Teachers and their students can replicate various activities to demonstrate important concepts in physics that Richard plans to do in space; and share their predictions about what might happen during the same experiment in the microgravity (weightless) environment of space online.

Lessons in support of Richard Garriott's on orbit activities, plus his archived webcasts, podcasts, and blogs, and student's predications submitted by YouTube video are available on the Challenger Center's national website.

posted 09-21-2008 11:33 PM               

Nature Conservancy of Texas Member Richard Garriott Will Orbit Earth to Promote Global Conservation

Internationally renowned computer game designer Richard Garriott will travel to space on Oct. 12 on a mission underscoring the importance of environmental conservation in key Texas sites and other locations around the world.

Garriott, a member of The Nature Conservancy, will visit the International Space Station for several days as a private citizen. He is working with Nature Conservancy scientists in Texas and at the group's headquarters in Arlington, Va., to photograph a variety of sites from space to study long-term environmental changes on Earth.

Garriott will follow in the footsteps of his father, former NASA astronaut Dr. Owen Garriott, who flew missions on Skylab and the Space Shuttle Columbia in the 1970s and '80s. "With input from Nature Conservancy scientists, I will be re-photographing many of the same ecologically significant places on Earth that my dad photographed 35 years ago aboard Skylab, the first Earth-observation laboratory," said Garriott, who approached the Conservancy last spring to request information on priority conservation areas and to determine what contributions he could make to the organization during this mission. "We will compare the images to show how the Earth has changed in just one generation.

"I will also photograph landscapes that can be viewed 'macroscopically' to show large-scale changes, such as expanding urban areas, increasing areas of desert, and deforestation or reforestation. Many of these issues reflect climate change or global warming," he said, adding, "Scientists at The Nature Conservancy are helping me select sites to re-photograph based on conservation priorities in particular parts of the world."

"We are thrilled to have Richard as a partner in raising awareness about the importance of conservation here in Texas and beyond," said Laura Huffman, Texas state director for The Nature Conservancy. "As a global conservation organization, we are excited to share our scientific know-how as part of this mission as a reminder of conservation successes as well as the urgent and ongoing need to work to protect many of the world's most important habitats."

Texas landscapes that may be included in Garriott's study include the Davis Mountains of far West Texas, bays and estuaries along the Texas gulf coast, the Blackland Prairie of North Texas and the longleaf pine forests of East Texas.

For example, The Nature Conservancy's work in the Davis Mountains has helped conserve close to 100,000 acres of natural lands for future generations. Photographs taken from space at night could show geographic changes here, and also indicate whether land conservation is helping to preserve the region's "dark skies" necessary for astronomers at the University of Texas McDonald Observatory.

Landscape-scale photography could illustrate habitat loss on the Blackland Prairie, where the Conservancy works to protect one of the most threatened habitats on Earth. Since the organization has multiple conservation sites along the Texas coast and is working to conserve Big Thicket longleaf pine forests, the images also could help highlight the Conservancy's future work in these areas.

Other threatened United States and global landscapes may include China's Yangtze River, the Highland Forests of East Africa, the Appalachian Mountains, grasslands of northern Australia, arid lands of Namibia, the Mississippi River and the rivers of the Andes Mountains.

While conservation is an important aspect of his flight, Garriott will be undertaking various other science projects, including growing protein crystals in space in order that the molecular structures of the crystals may be better understood for use in pharmaceutical research.

"While we look to technology to bring us many of life's necessities and pleasures, I think it's of great importance that we also conserve the natural world, which fulfills another set of our essential needs and values," Garriott said. "We must address issues such as urban expansion, freshwater depletion, marine conservation and deforestation with the same fervor we bring to technological advancement."

Garriott also will be offsetting the carbon emissions created by his flight into space by purchasing carbon offsets through TerraPass, which allows consumers to invest in projects such as renewable energy to help remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere in amounts to those produced by energy use.

A member of Bat Conservation International in addition to The Nature Conservancy, Garriott also actively supports Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve in Austin. He is privately funding his space flight and stay at the International Space Station through Space Adventures, a company that organizes private space exploration, and for which Garriott serves as vice chairman.

An interactive Web feature on Richard Garriott's conservation mission in space can be found on the Nature Conservancy website.

posted 09-23-2008 04:06 PM               

Stephen Hawking Sending DNA into Space to Promote the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics

Stephen Hawking, best selling author of "A Brief History of Time" and the children's book "George's Secret Key to the Universe" written along with his daughter Lucy, will be sending his digitized DNA into space as part of NCsoft's(R) Operation Immortality(TM). Lucy Hawking is also participating in the project. Together, the father and daughter are hoping the project will raise awareness of the Archon X PRIZE for Genomics, a competition that will award $10 million to the first person or team that can sequence 100 human genomes within 10 days or less.

Operation Immortality is a project intended to collect and archive the very best of what humanity has accomplished by sending a digital time capsule of the human race, including messages from people around the world and DNA samples from some of our brightest minds, musicians, athletes and video game players.

Hawking's DNA will be transported into space by celebrated video game developer and longtime member of the X PRIZE Foundation's Board of Trustees, Richard Garriott, who is traveling to the International Space Station (ISS) in October. Garriott, whose most recent video game project, Tabula Rasa(R), depicts the destruction of mankind by an alien invasion, will take Hawking's digitized DNA as well as an electronic copy of "George's Secret Key to the Universe" on a storage device called the Immortality Drive where it will be placed on the ISS.

This is not the first time Hawking and Garriott have teamed up for high-flying adventures. In 2007, Garriott hosted Hawking aboard a zero gravity flight where Hawking was able to experience a weightless environment.

"Richard and I share the same dream of traveling into space," said Stephen Hawking. "And we both realize the incredible importance of DNA to life in the universe."

In actuality, Hawking would like to have sent his completely sequenced genome into space. Current science however, is not yet capable of producing low-cost, fully sequenced genomes. By participating in this project, Hawking hopes to highlight the need for inexpensive, fully sequenced human genomes so that scientists and doctors can begin to better understand ways to identify, treat and prevent disease.

Richard Garriott said, "This is simply one of the most exciting honors of my life. To have Stephen Hawking participate in my space flight project is incredible and it makes this once-in-a-lifetime experience even more meaningful and exciting. If our world did meet an early end, anyone who finds the Immortality Drive will certainly find the best that humanity has to offer."

The "Immortality Drive," is currently in the process of being loaded with information from people all over the world at the OperationImmortality.com website. Players in Garriott's latest game, Tabula Rasa, will also have their character information downloaded onto the drive.

Mankind is encouraged to submit their suggestions for humanity's greatest achievements, and leave their immortalized message for future generations. A select few may also have their DNA chosen to join Garriott, Hawking and other icons on an out-of-this-world experience, and possibly become the future of mankind.

Hawking's book, "George's Secret Key to the Universe" takes young readers on a rollercoaster ride through the vastness of space. In the midst of this exciting adventure, the book shows the mysteries of physics, science and the Universe with George, his friends next door, and a super-intelligent computer called Cosmos, which can take them to the edge of a black hole and back again.

posted 10-02-2008 11:28 AM               

First Second Generation Astronaut, Richard Garriott, to Perform Research while in Space in Cooperation with NASA

Space Adventures' orbital spaceflight client will participate in scientific research developed by NASA investigators

Space Adventures, Ltd., the only company that provides human space missions to the world marketplace, announced today that their orbital spaceflight client, Richard Garriott, will participate in a suite of experiments in cooperation with NASA during his 10-day mission.

Mr. Garriott is scheduled to launch on October 12 onboard a Soyuz TMA spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan en route to the International Space Station (ISS). He will be joining the Expedition 18 crew which includes NASA astronaut Michael Fincke and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Lonchakov.

"I am enthusiastic to participate in these experiments. As my father was a NASA astronaut, it seems fitting that I, as a private astronaut, also assist in their research as a continuation of my family's contribution to the space agency," said Richard Garriott.

"Space exploration is of critical importance to our future as a species," said Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures. "Through Richard's gracious participation in these NASA experiments, he will be making an important contribution to the future of human permanence in space."

Mr. Garriott will participate in three NASA experiments. The first experiment will study the current microgravity environment encountered by astronauts and how their eyes react to low and high pressure as well as variations in oxygen concentrations. Mr. Garriott will be the first space explorer to have had Photorefractive Keratectomy eye surgery, referred to as PRK. NASA has recently approved this procedures for their astronauts, but to date, none have been flown or have been selected who have had the procedure. NASA will examine his visual acuity, accommodation and refraction before, during and after spaceflight. There is reason to believe visual acuity might change on orbit, as inner eye pressure goes up by as much as 50 percent during spaceflights. This information will determine if an eye which has undergone a PRK procedure remains stable during a 10-day exposure to microgravity.

The second experiment will study the effects of spaceflight on the human immune system and validate monitoring tests for immune function in astronauts. The study will assess immunity during spaceflight by testing white blood cells for changes in function or response to stimulation as a consequence of spaceflight. This information may determine astronauts' clinical risk during spaceflight. Previous data collected suggests that there is indeed a suppression of the immune system associated with spaceflight. Mr. Garriott will be contributing to this data pool, and since his mission will come mid-mission for some other astronauts; he will be able to return fresh blood samples from long-duration crew members, which has rarely been able to be sampled.

The third study will document sleep/wake patterns and sleep characteristics of astronauts. Normal sleep patterns and body chemistry are notably changed during spaceflight. The data collected may assist in determining the efficacy of ongoing countermeasures for space-related sleep disturbances and may also assist in developing additional countermeasures which could potentially impact the health, productivity and safety of astronauts during spaceflight.

posted 10-08-2008 02:20 PM               

In the first photo above, you can see among the items are a couple of copies of the cover to Homesteading Space, the new book about Skylab by Richard's father Owen Garriott, Joe Kerwin and cS member David Hitt.

posted 10-11-2008 09:36 PM               

It is less than 24 hours before I will leave the earth for a while. It is incredible to be able to say that and mean it!

I feel well prepared for this flight, and have complete faith in my crew mates, our beautiful rocket, and the huge number of people it takes to launch our Soyuz and operate the ISS. I am so very thankful for this opportunity. I am also thankful to all of you, my friends family and supporters. I wish I could share this experience with each of you, in the way I have had the opportunity to experience it.

These last two weeks have been filled with a wonderful combination of final reviews of the specific data for our flight, final inspections of the vehicle and rocket, along with plenty of time to rest and reflect about what is about to happen,

I will return to our earth in a few weeks, with a vast array of photographs, and a lifetime of new stories. I look forward to sharing them with you!

Oh, if you are watching the launch... I have a message for you!

Fare the well, see you soon, much love to you all.

posted 10-12-2008 02:43 AM               

Space Adventures' Client, Private Astronaut Richard Garriott, Successfully Launches To The International Space Station

Space Adventures, Ltd., the only company that provides human space missions to the world marketplace, today announced that its orbital client Richard Garriott and his crew successfully launched aboard a Soyuz TMA spacecraft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan en route to the International Space Station (ISS). Garriott joins the Expedition 18 crew, which includes NASA astronaut Michael Fincke and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Lonchakov.

In preparation for his spaceflight, Garriott, son of NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, completed a cosmonaut-training program at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center located in Star City, Russia. This historic mission marks Garriott as the world's 1st second-generation astronaut.

"Today, my dream of following in my father's footsteps to explore new frontiers is being realized," said Richard Garriott. "Throughout my life, my sense of adventure has taken me to the ends of the Earth to embark on journeys few people have encountered. It's with honor and appreciation that I launch on my greatest adventure yet, and step into a role assumed by only five private individuals before me." Garriott continued, "I've dedicated this flight to not only scientific and environmental research, but also educational outreach. I'm thrilled to be able to excite students throughout the world and demonstrate how far our dreams can take us."

Space Adventures became world renowned 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.

Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures, said, "It has always been Space Adventures' goal to open the space frontier. With Richard's launch today, we are not only continuing to demonstrate the viability of civilian space travel, but also the potential for commercial opportunities during our clients' space missions." Anderson continued, "Richard's efforts while on the ISS will be making an important contribution to the future of human permanence in space."

Garriott will participate in a wide range of activities, to include:

Educational Outreach

• Garriott will communicate with students associated with the Challenger Center for Space Science Education via a NASA-sponsored teleconference, two HAM radio downlinks in cooperation with Amateur Radio on the ISS, and through videotaped experiments that can be replicated on Earth.

• Garriott will conduct two science experiments designed by primary and secondary students from the United Kingdom in partnership with the British National Space Center.

Scientific Research

• In cooperation with NASA, Garriott will perform a series of experiments that will study the physical impact of spaceflight on astronauts. Garriott will observe the reaction of the eyes to low and high pressure in a microgravity environment; the effects of spaceflight on the human immune system; and astronauts' sleep/wake patterns and sleep characteristics.

• Garriott will photograph a number of ecologically significant places on Earth. These photographs will be compared to shots taken 35 years ago by Garriott's father while in space. Together, Garriott and The Nature Conservancy will review the images to document how the Earth has changed in one generation.

• In cooperation with the European Space Agency, Garriott will perform a series of experiments that will include the study of early detection of osteoporosis; vestibular adaptation to G-force transitions; and the occurrence of lower back pain.

Commercial Activity

• Garriott will assist the biotechnology company ExtremoZyme, co-founded by Owen Garriott, by conducting Protein Crystal Growth (PCG) experiments.

• Seiko has developed the Spring Drive Spacewalk watch, specifically designed for use in space. Garriott will be taking the watch to the ISS, where he will be testing it in a microgravity environment.

• Richard will be conducting a physics experiment while on the ISS as part of an initiative sponsored by DHL. The experiment has been designed as an educational contest that will take place at the DHL Innovation Center in Bonn, Germany.

Garriott's mission to the ISS is the latest destination in a life defined by adventure and innovation. In recent years, Garriott has conquered incredible adventures that span the globe including searching for meteorites on the continent of Antarctica, tracking mountain gorillas in Rwanda, canoeing down the Amazon, deep ocean hydrothermal vent expeditions and dives to the Titanic. Now, Garriott will embark on his most incredible adventure to date: space exploration. To monitor Richard Garriott's mission, please visit RichardinSpace.com.

Garriott was born in Cambridge, England and raised in Nassau Bay, Texas. In 1980, Garriott attended the University of Texas at Austin where he developed the Ultima computer game series. Garriott, along with his father and brother, created Origin Systems, a private video game publisher. In 1992, Garriott sold Origin Systems to Electronic Arts. In 1999, Garriott left Electronic Arts and in 2000 he formed Destination Games and partnered with NCsoft. In November 2007, his latest game, Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa, was launched in North America and in the European Union.

posted 10-12-2008 02:55 AM               

Oh, if you are watching the launch... I have a message for you!

posted 10-14-2008 12:05 PM               

Live Challenger Center Broadcast with the ISS: Kids Ask Citizen Cosmonaut "What Are You Looking For in Space"?

Richard Garriott, private space explorer and son of NASA's Skylab Astronaut Dr. Owen Garriott, plans to talk with students through a NASA sponsored live video teleconference, broadcast via the Internet on October 20th at 1:00pm ET during his flight to the International Space Station. The downlink event will be held in Reston, Virginia in coordination with KZO Innovations with students from two D.C. Metropolitan area schools and four Challenger Learning Centers. Students will ask Mr. Garriott original questions about living and working in space. The event will be broadcast live.

Students have posed intriguing questions, such as; "What are you looking for in space? What does the Earth look like from space? Do you think that someday we will live in space? Is there another planet on which humans can live?" and in support of Richard's planned on-orbit activities for students, playing sports in space, "How will you compensate for your players lack of ability to gain momentum?"

Students involved are from Hunter Woods Elementary in Reston, Virginia and Ardmore Elementary from Springdale, Maryland, the Lower Hudson Valley Challenger Learning Center in Suffern, NY, the Buehler Challenger and Science Center in Paramus, New Jersey, the Challenger Learning Center for Science and Technology in Woodstock, Illinois and the Brownsburg Challenger Learning Center in Brownsburg, Indiana.

Mr. Garriott is conducting a variety of educational activities as a part of his scheduled flight to the International Space Station in partnership with the Challenger Center for Space Science Education. Teachers and their students can replicate on-orbit activities to demonstrate important concepts in physics and share their predictions about what might happen in the microgravity (weightless) environment of space. Lessons in support of Garriott's on orbit activities, plus webcasts, podcasts and student's predications on YouTube are available.

posted 10-15-2008 01:22 PM               

Also, if you missed it elsewhere on the site, our interview with Richard Garriott and his father Owen is now online:

Astronaut's son reboots dad's work in orbit

Richard Garriott's approach to the International Space Station (ISS) this morning may have seemed familiar to him, even though this was his first flight in space. That feeling could be attributed in part to the six months of training he underwent for the mission, but it might also have been what happened when he was twelve, or more appropriately, what his father did then.

Consider it generational déjà vu.

Thirty-five years ago, seated in the right seat of a three man capsule, Owen Garriott docked with a space station. This morning, Richard Garriott did more or less the same thing. It wasn't the same spacecraft, nor the same space station, but the father's and son's missions share a lot in common.

posted 10-16-2008 11:17 AM               

Calling down to Russia's mission control (TsUP), Expedition 18 flight engineer Yuri Lonchakov asked for permission for Garriott to use the device, which he said was a clear box with colored oil inside.

"It says 'Cube with oil emulsion' in it," Lonchakov described to ground controllers.

"At first I didn't understand what it was, [but] this is Thomas Reiter's educational program that was left behind from him," replied a specialist, referring to Reiter's 2006 European Space Agency Astrolab mission during the station's 13th expedition. "This is the cube where they had the oil dyed in bright color. So, if you shake it vigorously then the bubbles break down into small ones."

"So yeah, you guys can use it for yourselves. That's no problem at all. Have fun!" radioed the ground.

A few minutes later, Lonchakov called down again. "What can we do with it that would be interesting?"

"Well, nothing really interesting can transpire from you playing with this thing. Thomas Reiter used it for his educational program. There was one big bubble and if you shake it, it would break down into several small ones."

"If by now, it doesn't gather back into one big bubble, then it doesn't really do a thing," offered the ground.

Garriott was said to have taken an interest in the experiment to use during educational videos he was recording for the Challenger Center for Space Education.

The European Space Agency' website described the experiment in 2006 as follows:

Oil Emulsion
This experiment will be carried out by school pupils (11-14 years old) on Earth and by Thomas Reiter during his long-duration mission on board the ISS. The space section of "Oil Emulsion" will be filmed and downlinked. This experiment will highlight how an oil/water emulsion behaves differently in weightlessness and under gravity conditions respectively. A sealed container holding two immiscible fluids, clear oil and ink-coloured water, will be shaken until the two fluids are slightly mixed. The fluids' behavior in space will be filmed within defined time slots during a maximum of two weeks. The data will be down linked and the results will be shown in a specialized childrens programme on German public TV. The different kinds of segregation that occur during the experiment, in space and on Earth, can be observed and then explained by the teacher. This experiment can form the basis of further physics lessons, (concerning weightlessness, density, other fluid parameters) and maybe even lessons in other scientific areas. The Oil Emulsion experiment was introduced by DLR and is a cooperation between the German and the European Space Agencies.

Oil emulsion experiment - highlighting how an oil/water emulsion behaves differently in weightlessness and in normal gravity. Credit: DLR

posted 10-16-2008 06:02 PM               

From Astronaut's son reboots dad's work in orbit:

"My dad's call sign is W5LFL and my grandfather's call sign was W5KWQ," explained Richard. "So in this case it will be an interesting generational flip: my father got to call down as W5LFL to W5KWQ, I get to do the reverse."

In the photos above, Garriott is seen storing his Protein Crystal Growth (PCG) experiment for his father's company ExtremoZyme.

posted 10-24-2008 01:55 AM               

Space Adventures' Client, Private Astronaut Richard Garriott, Returns To Earth After Completing Mission to the ISS

Space Adventures, Ltd., the only company that provides human space missions to the world marketplace, announced today that its orbital client Richard Garriott and his crew successfully landed in the Kazakhstan steppes after a visit to the International Space Station (ISS). Garriott returned to Earth aboard the Soyuz TMA-12 spacecraft with Expedition 17 crewmembers Sergei Volkov and Oleg Kononenko, who both spent six months aboard the ISS.

Garriott, son of NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, made history during his mission by becoming the 1st second-generation astronaut. The flight back to Earth marked another historical milestone as Garriott traveled with the 1st second-generation cosmonaut, Sergei Volkov.

"This mission to the ISS fulfilled a lifelong dream to experience spaceflight as my father first did 35 years ago; it's an honor to be the first American to follow a parent into space," said Richard Garriott. "This experience made possible by Space Adventures - from my training in Star City, to lift-off, orbit and finally docking with and staying on the ISS - has been more gratifying than anything I could have ever imagined." Garriott continued, "While in space, I had the opportunity to conduct scientific experiments and environmental research, but what was most rewarding was speaking to students. Growing up in an astronaut family, I firmly believed that every person could go to space, and now I have. I took this opportunity to inspire them with my adventure and let them know they can achieve their wildest dreams as well with hard work and perseverance."

Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures, said, "We're proud to have assisted Richard in achieving his lifelong goal of spaceflight. This history-making mission not only made Richard the 1st second-generation astronaut, but also opened the space frontier to commercial opportunities, which truly demonstrates the reality of private space exploration."

On October 12, Garriott launched aboard the Soyuz TMA-13 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. He joined Expedition 18 crewmembers Mike Fincke and Yuri Lonchakov, for the flight. They arrived at the space station on October 14 and were greeted by the Expedition 17 crew.

In preparation for his spaceflight, Garriott completed a cosmonaut-training program at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center located in Star City, Russia. During his stay aboard the ISS, Garriott focused on scientific and environmental research, as well as educational outreach:

• Garriott communicated with students associated with the Challenger Center for Space Science Education via a NASA-sponsored teleconference, HAM radio downlinks and through videotaped experiments. Garriott also conducted a HAM radio downlink and two science experiments designed by primary and secondary students from the United Kingdom in partnership with the British National Space Center.
  
• In cooperation with NASA, Garriott performed a series of experiments that examined the physical impact of spaceflight on astronauts. Garriott observed the reaction of the eyes to low and high pressure in a microgravity environment; the effects of spaceflight on the human immune system; and astronauts' sleep/wake patterns and sleep characteristics.
  
• On behalf of The Nature Conservancy, Garriott photographed a number of ecologically significant places on Earth. The photographs will be compared to shots taken 35 years ago by Garriott's father while in space. Together, Garriott and The Nature Conservancy will review the images to document how the Earth has changed in one generation.
  
• Garriott worked in cooperation with the European Space Agency to perform a series of experiments that observed early detection of osteoporosis, vestibular adaptation to G-force transitions and the occurrence of lower back pain.
  
• Garriott supported a number of commercial partners. He assisted the biotechnology company ExtremoZyme, co-founded by Owen Garriott, by conducting Protein Crystal Growth (PCG) experiments. Additionally, Garriott tested a SEIKO Spring Drive Spacewalk watch, specifically designed for use in space. Garriott also conducted a physics experiment as part of an initiative sponsored by DHL, planned as an educational contest that will take place at the DHL Innovation Center in Bonn, Germany.

Garriott has been chronicling the details of his mission, from training to landing, on his Web site www.RichardinSpace.com with photos, video, audio, in-depth blogs and answers to questions posed by visitors to the site. Now back on solid ground, Garriott will continue to share his experiences on his site, expanding upon his time aboard the ISS and providing insights into his landing and return to Earth.

posted 11-10-2008 04:55 PM               

Nik Halik paid for his training to be back-up to Richard Garriott although he would not have flown even if Garriott had been disqualified.

posted 11-10-2008 05:03 PM               

quote:

---

Originally posted by KenDavis:
What's the point of a back-up if they don't back-up?

---

Daisuke Enomoto's back-up, Anousheh Ansari, did fly, though she had to pay the full ticket price. Back-ups only (initially) pay the training cost, a few million dollars, which is not anywhere close to the full fare.

Perhaps that is what Spaceflight magazine was referencing.

As to why someone might pay $3 million just to train, Space Adventures' CEO Eric Anderson gave some of the reasons while announcing Halik as Garriott's back-up.

"Through his participation as a back-up crew member, Nik will experience first-hand how our clients train for spaceflight and he, himself, will be certified as a 'fully-trained cosmonaut' and will be named to an official space mission crew, a distinction that less than 1,000 people have ever had."

posted 04-07-2009 09:47 AM               

Richard and Owen Garriott Talk Private Space Flight, Science in Space

Thirty-five years after NASA astronaut Owen Garriott first flew into space, his son Richard, a successful video-game designer, followed suit as a private citizen. The younger Garriott brokered a deal through the firm Space Adventures to pay the Russian Federal Space Agency about $30 million for a ride aboard a Soyuz spacecraft to the International Space Station last October. Below are Richard and Owen Garriotts' thoughts and experiences on private space flight and scientific research aboard the International Space Station.

posted 05-18-2009 01:02 PM               

At the Dayton, Ohio Hamvention, the largest of its kind for Ham radio enthusiast Richard Garriott shared his experience on the ISS and his time using the Ham radio while on board. His father, Owen, also in attendance was the first to use a Ham radio on his STS-9 space shuttle mission.

Amateur Radio has become a family affair. Richard used his grandfathers call sign while using a ham radio which he brought with him on his trip and subsequently left on the ISS for others to use. He would realize quickly the organization and breadth of the radio community while in space. Trying to conserve on the batteries needed to run his Radio he tried to stretch them past their 4 hour useful life. While on board everything seemed to be running smoothly in his efforts with the radio, he would quickly learn the next day that the batteries only were lasting for the 4 hours. During his daily ground communications with his father, whom ran his ground control team, called up that everyone appreciates his efforts but that he needed to change his batteries more often.

Richard would not only use his fathers experience in space by having him run the ground control team staying in the Russian mission control and as part of the helicopter team that would eventually retrieve him once he landed. His dad also became a source of competition. During his first day Richard would write his radio contacts on the back of the pages of his flight plan in a single column. As time went on and he becoming more successful he started to make double columns then triple columns. He would think of his dads experience using the radio and wondered about how many contacts he might have had during his shuttle mission and vowed to try to beat him. Richard would eventually pass the 500 mark in two way communications. He suspects his dad only had one or two hundred.

Richard Garriott was suppose to be the first so called space tourist in space. Having accumulated the finances needed through investments in the internet. As the time approached the dot com bubble burst sending his needed wealth sliding and being forced to sell his seat to Denis Tito. In October 2008, his dream finally came true.

Growing up with neighbors like Joe Engle on the right and Hoot Gibson on the left while having Owen for a father, Richard thought everyone went into space. But later a NASA doctor would tell him your "poor eyesight means you will never be selected to be a NASA astronaut." Once in space he would find it ironic that the one science query NASA was most interested in were his eyes. He was the first person to fly in space to have corrective eye surgery.

He was amazed to see, 48 hours before his launch, the rocket he was to fly into space with was still lying in pieces. The day before his launch it would all come together and roll out to the launch pad by train. During his entire mission he felt space travel to be "quiet, smooth, and non threatening." Once in space he would look out the window of his Soyuz capsule and see an odd mixture of high tech gizmo's and hand stitched fabric that would protect him on his journey to and from his trip to the ISS. During the re-entry he would notice heat shield fragments flying off past his window before a "ka whomp" as he landed on the ground with the use of a parachute before bouncing and rolling to a stop.

Once on board the ISS his first activity was to set up his radio station. His first impressions of the ISS was that it was very "cluttered." He spent a great deal of his spare time making connections to those on the ground using his radio. He considers it "the most challenging, the most rewarding activity I had on orbit."