First Second-Generation Astronaut, Richard Garriott, Launched Into Space

October 12, 2008 5:27 p.m. EST

Vienna, VA (AHN)-Space Adventures, Ltd, a company that provides space missions to the global community, announced that client Richard Garriott and his crew successfully launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan to the International Space Station (ISS).

The mission is particularly noteworthy for Richard Garriott, son of NASA astronaut Owen Garriott, who will become the world's first second generation astronaut upon successful completion of the orbital trip.

While preparing for the flight, Richard Garriott released a statement, saying, "Today, my dream of following in my father's footsteps to explore new frontiers is being realized. Throughout my life, my sense of adventure has taken me to the ends of the Earth to embark on journeys few people have encountered."

Garriott added that, It's with honor and appreciation that I launch on my greatest adventure yet, and step into a role assumed by only five private individuals before me."

Space Adventures first gained global recognition when in 2001 it launched client Dennis Tito into space, making him the world's first privately funded spaceflight participant. The company has since completed space launches for four more private clients after Tito's historic initial mission.