The American businessman who paid $20 million for an eight-day stay on the International Space Station says the trip was worth the price of the ticket.
Gregory Olsen returned to Earth Tuesday aboard the Russian Soyuz spacecraft that took him on his journey. He told a news conference in Russia Thursday that after seeing thousands of pictures of the Earth, it was remarkable to see it from above for himself.
Mr. Olsen is the third private citizen to visit the International Space Station. He said he dislikes the title of space tourist. After paying $20 million for the trip, he dedicated two years of his life and 1,500 hours of training before the October 1 launch.
In his remarks, the 60-year-old Mr. Olsen said he hopes his adventure will inspire his grandchildren and others to learn about space and perhaps travel there some day.
Some information in this report provided by AP and AFP.