Fri, Jun 05, 2009
1st Canadian Private Space Explorer
Space Adventures, Ltd., announced
Thursday that Guy Laliberté, founder of Cirque du Soleil and
the ONE DROP Foundation, has begun training at the Yuri Gagarin
Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City in preparation for his
poetic social mission to the International Space Station (ISS). He
will be joining the Soyuz TMA-16 crew that includes Russian
cosmonaut Maksim Surayev and NASA astronaut Jeffery Williams. The
launch is scheduled for September 30.
"I have been described as many things throughout my 25 years
with Cirque du Soleil. Fire-breather, entrepreneur, street smart,
creative," says Mr. Laliberté. "I am honored and humbled
today with my new description: humanitarian space explorer.
Traveling has always been my way of life and I have been
researching the possibilities of space travel with Space Adventures
since 2004. But I needed it to be the right time and for the right
purpose. This is the time. And the purpose is clear: to raise
awareness on water issues to humankind on planet earth. My mission
is dedicated to making a difference on this vital resource by using
what I know best: artistry. This will be the first poetic social
mission in space. This is also a very symbolic time for me to be in
Star City since, after 25 years, Cirque du Soleil will be
introduced to Russia! The timing could not be more
appropriate!"
Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures, said, "I
have known Guy for several years. He has been a member of our
Orbital Mission Explorers Circle; and since our very first
discussions with him, he has wanted to travel in space for a
purpose. I believe that his poetic social mission truly realizes
his intentions and provides him the opportunity to express his
vision in a unique way. We are proud to be able to assist him in
making his dream a reality."
During his 12-day stay at the ISS, Mr. Laliberté will
share information about water issues in the world through a
singular poetic approach. The messages he transmits will raise
awareness for ONE DROP Foundation initiatives that promote Water
for all, all for water.
Space Adventures, headquartered in Vienna, Virginia with an
office in Moscow, offers a variety of programs such as the
availability today for spaceflight missions to the International
Space Station and around the moon, Zero-Gravity flights, cosmonaut
training, spaceflight qualification programs and reservations on
future suborbital spacecrafts.
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