Capsule carrying software mogul docks at space station

KOROLYOV, Russia — Two Russian cosmonauts and a U.S. billionaire bringing a gourmet meal arrived at the international space station Tuesday — to a warm welcome from current crewmen and the earthbound applause of Martha Stewart.

The lifestyle guru was among Russian and U.S. officials and visitors monitoring the docking at Russian Mission Control, on Moscow's outskirts, as onboard TV cameras showed the Soyuz nearing the station and then jerking to a stop. Stewart is a friend of Charles Simonyi, the Medina resident and former Microsoft researcher who shelled out at least $20 million to be the world's fifth paying private space traveler.

The Soyuz capsule docked automatically with the international space station, and Simonyi and two Russian cosmonauts floated into the space station about 90 minutes later.

A video linkup at Russian Mission Control in Korolyov, on Moscow's outskirts, showed the three smiling and getting hugs and backslaps from the three-member crew already on the station.

"How did the launch look?" Simonyi asked spectators at Mission Control.

"The launch was beautiful, Charles," Stewart told Simonyi. "I just want to say that we are happy for the safe and beautiful trip and I want you to know that we all think that you are a true pioneer.

"And guess what, Charles? You are now truly out of this world," she said.

"Martha, it is really an honor to be here on this outpost," Simonyi said.

The Hungarian-born Simonyi then turned upside down — to the amusement of spectators — and shared greetings in Hungarian with his brother, Tomas.

The arrival of a new crew is always a happy event, and this time the residents are getting an extra treat — the gourmet dinner brought by Simonyi.

The menu, including quail marinated in wine, was selected by Stewart, who was also on hand for the launch Saturday.

Simonyi returns to Earth on April 20, along with Russian Mikhail Tyurin and the American astronaut Miguel Lopez-Alegria, who have been on the station since September. The other U.S. astronaut, Sunita Williams, will remain on board with cosmonauts Fyodor Yurchikhin and Oleg Kotov.

Simonyi, 58, amassed a fortune through his work with computer software, including helping to develop Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.