Is Charles Simonyi going to get frequent flyer points? That’s what the Seattle Times blog wants to know, and I’m inclined to agree.

The billionaire ex-Microsoft executive became a space tourist in April 2007, and enjoyed himself so much he wants to go again. And what Charles wants, Charles gets. He is about to start training with the crew of the Russian Soyuz TMA-14, which is due to go to the International Space Station in spring 2009. (press release)

Most professional astronauts have to wait longer between trips than this, says Canada Now,. but at least they don’t have to shell out upwards of $25 million for each trip. This is what Simonyi paid the first time, AP reports, although just how much his return to flight is going to cost him isn’t known.

MSNBC is running a more general piece about the company and the man behind space tourism. Eric Anderson is aiming to get his company, Space Adventures – now onto its sixth space tourist flight – its own Soyuz spacecraft that can hold two passengers. Uh-oh, watch out for the first real wedding in space soon.