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US space tourist to make history Space tourist blasts off to ISS
(about 5 hours later)
A Russian Soyuz rocket is to blast off from Kazakhstan's Baikonur cosmodrome to bring a three-member crew to the International Space Station (ISS). A Russian Soyuz rocket has blasted off from Kazakhstan's Baikonur cosmodrome to ferry a three-member crew to the International Space Station (ISS).
Among them is US billionaire Charles Simonyi, aged 60, who is the first space tourist to make the trip twice.Among them is US billionaire Charles Simonyi, aged 60, who is the first space tourist to make the trip twice.
The software tycoon, who paid $35m (£24m) for the trip, will be the last tourist for the foreseeable future. The software tycoon, who has paid $35m (£24m) for his trip, will be the last tourist for the foreseeable future.
During his 13-day mission, he will help with research projects and take part in live broadcasts with schools.During his 13-day mission, he will help with research projects and take part in live broadcasts with schools.
'Crowded' ISS'Crowded' ISS
Expedition 19 to the ISS, which also includes Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka and US astronaut Michael Barratt, is set to blast off at 1149GMT. Expedition 19 to the ISS, which also includes Russian cosmonaut Gennady Padalka and US astronaut Michael Barratt, lifted off on schedule at Baikonur.
Behind the scenes at the Soyuz spacecraft launch siteBehind the scenes at the Soyuz spacecraft launch site
Mr Padalka and Mr Barratt will form part of a new six-member crew aboard the ISS.Mr Padalka and Mr Barratt will form part of a new six-member crew aboard the ISS.
Until now only three astronauts lived on the station at any one time.Until now only three astronauts lived on the station at any one time.
Doubling the number will allow more scientific research to be carried out, but it will also mean there will be less room for visitors.Doubling the number will allow more scientific research to be carried out, but it will also mean there will be less room for visitors.
Mr Simonyi said the $35m he had paid for the flight was his contribution to the exploration of space.Mr Simonyi said the $35m he had paid for the flight was his contribution to the exploration of space.
The blast-off from Baikonur cosmodrome is being watched by the crew members' friends and relatives.