About
Charles Simonyi is a Hungarian-American software architect, businessman, and space tourist. He is renowned for leading the development of Microsoft's early application software, including core components of Microsoft Office. Simonyi later co-founded Intentional Software, focusing on intentional programming concepts. A former researcher at Xerox PARC, he played a pivotal role in pioneering graphical user interfaces and introduced object-oriented programming to Microsoft. He is also notable for being the fifth space tourist and the only one to have funded two separate trips to the International Space Station.
Career Timeline
Xerox PARC Research
Begins research at Xerox PARC, contributing to GUI development.
Joins Microsoft
Joins Microsoft, leading application software development.
Microsoft Office Success
Leads the development of Microsoft Office, generating significant wealth.
Founds Intentional Software
Co-founds Intentional Software, focusing on intentional programming.
First Space Trip
Becomes a space tourist, paying for a trip to the International Space Station.
Second Space Trip
Funds a second trip to the International Space Station.
Philanthropy and investments
Continues philanthropy and investment activities, maintaining his status as a billionaire and space tourist.
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Last updated: February 25, 2026