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Microsoft's Charles Simonyi to be 1st Nerd in Space

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the flying-high dept.

Richard L. James writes "The BBC are reporting that Hungarian-born Charles Simonyi, a 58-year old Microsoft billionaire software engineer is set to become the first 'nerd in space' on board the Soyuz TMA-10 when the spacecraft launches on Thursday 09th March 2007. Charles oversaw the development of Multiplan, Word, and Excel among many other achievements. He has launched a website detailing the 3 goals he wishes to achieve on the trip: advance civilian spaceflight, assist space station research, and involve kids in space sciences. Jó szerencse pölö Charles!"

2 of 234 comments (clear)

  1. Oh come on Charles... by hvnarsana · · Score: 5, Interesting

    .. do you really really think that to achieve either/or of the 3 goals you need to spend a truckload (or 10) of cash to go into space? Why not use the money to advocate better education, books, and a series of talks by prominent astronauts or the like? I find this to be a colossal waste of finances and time, which could be better utilized.

    --
    Usability Engineer, Master in Human Computer Interaction
  2. Re:first nerd in space? by kfg · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I for one welcome our slide rules bearing jocks overlords....

    Beats the shit out of the nuns. Ya ever been rapped across the knuckles with a Pickett N4-ES?

    KFG