Charles Simonyi KE7KDP back in space

Charles Simonyi KE7KDP, a leading software pioneer and aviator, is back in space on his second mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Charles was onboard the Russian Soyuz rocket that blasted off from Kazakhstan's Baikonur cosmodrome on Thursday March 26.

His first mission to the space station in 2007 cost him a reputed $24 million, it is understood this trip will cost him $35 million, a sizeable jump in price over just 2 years.

For further information on his latest mission check the Charles in Space website at
http://www.charlesinspace.com/

The Amateur Radio station onboard the Space Station uses a downlink frequency of 145.800 MHz FM and Astronauts have used that frequency for both voice and Slow Scan TV (SSTV). The signal can be easily received on a amateur radio handheld rig with a quarter wave whip or on a scanner with a discone antenna.

BBC News - Space tourist blasts off to ISS
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7964977.stm

BBC News - Ready for lift-off on the Kazakh steppe
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7964196.stm

UK Foundation holder talks to astronaut on space station
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/march2009/
uk_foundation_holder_talks_to_astronaut.htm

Amateur Radio SSTV pictures from Space Station
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/october2008/
ariss_sstv_picture_gallery.htm

N2YO Real Time Satellite Tracking website
http://www.n2yo.com/