Orbital spaceflight broker Space Adventures announced that Dr. Charles Simonyi, the fifth paid spaceflight participant, will be returning to the International Space Station, making him their first customer to take a second trip.

Simonyi, computer software designer, engineer, and entrepreneur, made his first trip in April 2007, a ten-day stay that was the longest for a non-astronaut or scientist.

Eric Anderson, president and CEO of Space Adventures said, “Having a repeat orbital client demonstrates to the world that participating in a space mission is truly a magnificent and awe-inspiring experience… We congratulate Charles on his continued commitment to commercial spaceflight. We look forward to assisting him in preparation for the spring 2009 mission.”

Born in Hungary, Simonyi left at 17. Eventually he joined a Microsoft in its start-up phase, where he led the development of Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, among others. He is also a trained pilot.

According to Space Adventures website, Simonyi’s “goals for his mission are to advance civilian space flight, assist space station research, and involve the world’s youth in the science of space travel. He is convinced that one day humans will travel and live comfortably in space.”

Simonyi will have to re-train for his second journey. He plans to join the the Soyuz TMA-14 crew for a Spring 2009 mission to the ISS.