The fourth self-funded space tourist to orbit Earth, Anousheh Ansari traveled to the International Space Station in 2006. Born in Mashhad, Iran, in 1966, she later moved to the United States and built a career in engineering and technology, eventually leading the XPRIZE Foundation as its CEO.
Engineering and Business Foundations
Ansari pursued technical education in the United States, earning a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and computer science from George Mason University, followed by a master’s degree from George Washington University. In 1993, she co-founded Telecom Technologies Inc. with her husband, Hamid Ansari, and brother-in-law, Amir Ansari. The company developed softswitch technology for telecommunications providers. Following its acquisition by Sonus Networks in 2001, she served as a vice president and general manager. In 2006, she co-founded Prodea Systems, an Internet of Things technology firm.
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Her involvement with the XPRIZE Foundation began with a significant financial contribution in 2004, leading to the rebranding of the Ansari XPRIZE. She became a member of the organization's Board of Trustees and the Vision Circle. As CEO of the foundation, she oversees its mission to incentivize technological breakthroughs. Her commitment to space exploration also included investments in Space Adventures, Ltd. to support the development of suborbital spaceflight vehicles.
Spaceflight Mission
In September 2006, Ansari served as a spaceflight participant on the Soyuz TMA-9 mission. She trained as a backup before being elevated to the prime crew to replace an disqualified member. Lifting off from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, she traveled to the International Space Station, where she spent nine days performing experiments for the European Space Agency. Her research focused on anemia, lower back pain, and the effects of space radiation on microbial life and crew members.
Fast facts
- Born: 1966, Mashhad, Iran
- Education: George Mason University, George Washington University
- Spaceflight: Soyuz TMA-9 (2006)
- CEO: XPRIZE Foundation
- Recognition: Great Immigrants Award, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Horatio Alger Award
- Languages: English, Persian, French, Russian
Questions readers ask
Was Anousheh Ansari the first woman to visit the International Space Station?
She was the first self-funded woman to visit the International Space Station.
What is the focus of her work at the XPRIZE Foundation?
She leads the foundation in its efforts to incentivize innovation and the privatization of space exploration.
Achievements
- Educated at George Mason University and George Washington University
