In October 2005, Gregory Olsen traveled to the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz TMA-7, becoming the third self-funded private citizen to reach orbit. This mission, facilitated by Space Adventures, concluded after a ten-day stay, during which he performed scientific experiments and operated amateur radio equipment to communicate with students on the ground.
Background and Academic Path
Born in 1945 in Brooklyn, New York, Gregory Hammond Olsen was the son of a school teacher and an IBEW Local 3 electrician. Although he considered a professional baseball career during his youth, he eventually pursued education at Ridgefield Park High School. Following a period where he considered enlistment in the United States Army, he utilized an IBEW Local 3 scholarship to attend Fairleigh Dickinson University. He completed his undergraduate studies with magna cum laude honors before earning a PhD in materials science from the University of Virginia.
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Olsen entered the business sector through his expertise in physics and materials science. In 1984, he co-founded EPITAXX, a manufacturer specializing in optical detectors and receivers for telecommunications, which he sold in 1990 for $12 million. Two years later, he launched Sensors Unlimited with Dr. Marshall J. Cohen to develop near-infrared and shortwave-infrared cameras. The company underwent several ownership changes, including a sale to Finisar Corp for $700 million in 2000, a management buyback in 2002 for $6 million, and a subsequent acquisition by Goodrich, Corp in 2005 for $60 million.
Spaceflight Preparation and Execution
Training for his orbital flight took nearly two years. His medical clearance was delayed for nine months after a lung anomaly was detected during an X-ray, requiring monthly monitoring before he received approval. Upon launching on October 1, 2005, Olsen performed research in astronomy and remote sensing while aboard the station. He has explicitly rejected the label of space tourist, noting the rigorous preparation required for the mission, which he estimated cost approximately $20 million.
Current Professional Activities
Olsen currently serves as the president of GHO Ventures, LLC, based in Princeton, New Jersey. His portfolio includes angel investments, a South African winery, a Montana ranch, and real estate holdings in Manhattan and Miami. He balances these business interests with academic work as a physics professor at Rider University. Additionally, he maintains a commitment to educational outreach, regularly speaking at schools to encourage young people, particularly female and minority students, to pursue careers in engineering and science.
Fast facts
- Born: 1945, Brooklyn
- Education: Fairleigh Dickinson University, University of Virginia
- Space Mission: Soyuz TMA-7 launch, October 2005
- First Company Founded: EPITAXX (1984)
- Second Company Founded: Sensors Unlimited (1992)
- Professional Role: President of GHO Ventures, LLC
- Professional Honor: Member of National Academy of Engineering (2010)
- Amateur Radio Callsign: KC2ONX
Questions readers ask
What scientific work did Gregory Olsen conduct in space?
He performed experiments related to astronomy and remote sensing during his time on the International Space Station.
Why does Gregory Olsen dislike the term space tourist?
He argues the term minimizes the significant technical training and two years of preparation required to execute the mission safely.
Achievements
- Educated at University of Virginia, Fairleigh Dickinson University and Ridgefield Park High School
- Worked as astronaut, entrepreneur and engineer
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