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MOSCOW — A Japanese space tourist on Monday dismissed criticism from those who questioned his decision to pay a fortune. International Space stationSaying that the “amazing” experience was worth it.
The billionaire fashion tycoon told the Associated Press in a live interview from the orbiting space outpost. Yusaku Maezawa although he said he what had he dreamed of her the mission would be like before the flight, he struck by the reality of space travel.
“When you’re in space, you realize how much you value it by having this wonderful experience.” he He told the AP in his first TV interview since he arrived at the station. “And I believe this incredible experience will lead to something else.”
Maezawa, 46 and her Producer Yozo Hirano, 36, became the first self-paying tourist to visit the space station since 2009. When asked about reports claiming he paid more than $80 million for a 12-day assignment, Maezawa said he could not disclose the contract amount. however, he admitted that he paid “almost” that amount.
In October, Russian actor Yulia Peresild and film director Klim Shipenko spent 12 days aboard the station to make the first movie of Earth in orbit, a project sponsored by Russia’s space company Roscosmos that helps shine the country’s space glory.
Maezawa deflected criticism from those who questioned his decision to spend his money on space travel rather than using it to help people on Earth, saying “maybe the critics are people who have never been to space.”
“The most memorable moments were when I saw him. International Space station “When we enter the Soyuz just before and after docking,” he said.
He acknowledged that space tourism is mostly for the super-rich right now, but added that those starting out in space travel should be prepared for other challenges.
“Yeah, it’s still pretty expensive, but it’s not just about money,” he told the AP. “Your body takes time to adapt to this environment, and training for emergencies takes at least a few months. So, honestly, it’s only accessible to those who have the time, are physically fit, and can afford it. But we don’t know if that will still be the case 10 years, 20 years from now.”
Maezawa told the AP that he felt “a bit of motion sickness” and that it was “a bit difficult to sleep.” space.
She admitted that taking a nap is still a challenge.
“I honestly don’t sleep well. I was given a sleeping bag but I don’t use it because it’s too hot,” he said.
He was content with the length of his journey.
“Twelve days was fine for me,” Maezawa added. “I’m overcoming motion sickness so I can enjoy the rest of the days. I’m back on the 20th and I’m starting to miss Japan. I want to eat sushi when I come back!”
Filming the mission, Maezawa and Hirano were blown up for the mission. International Space station He’s on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft with Russian cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin on Wednesday.
Space Adventures, a Virginia-based company that organized the flight, had previously sent seven more tourists to the space station in 2001-2009.
Maezawa expressed his deep admiration for the crew of the space station. In addition to Misurkin, NASA astronauts Raja Chari, Thomas Marshburn, Kayla Barron and Mark Vande Hei; Russian cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov; and Matthias Maurer of the European Space Agency.
“They’re like superheroes saving the world,” he said. “Not only are they ahead of the latest science, but they are physically and mentally trained and very brave. I can directly feel how humans can evolve so much and our lives depend on these people – how it will change in the future. I respect them very much.”
He and Hirano will return to Earth with Misurkin on Sunday.
Before flight, Maezawa He had compiled a list of 100 things to do in space during his time. her mission after asking the public for opinions.
“I look forward to playing sports like badminton, table tennis and golf on the space station.” he He told the AP. “What I wasn’t expecting so much was the toilet stuff. ”
Maezawa-made her wealth in retail fashion launches Zozotown, Japan’s largest online fashion mall. Forbes magazine forecast her net worth of $1.9 billion.
Tycoon has also booked a flight around the moon on Elon Musk’s Starship, tentatively scheduled for the next few years. Eight contestants will participate in that tour.
“I’m planning to go to the moon in 2023 – we are in the final stages of selecting 8 people for the Dear Moon project,” he said.
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