Gregory Olsen: The Scientist Entrepreneur Who Journeyed to the ISS
Gregory Olsen is a multifaceted American figure whose life spans the realms of high-stakes entrepreneurship, advanced material science, and orbital spaceflight. While often categorized as a space tourist, Olsen's journey to the International Space Station (ISS) was the culmination of rigorous scientific training and a lifelong passion for engineering. From his humble beginnings in Brooklyn to the vacuum of space, his trajectory is a testament to the power of persistence and academic curiosity.
Key Facts
- Space Mission: Third private citizen to visit the ISS via Space Adventures.
- Flight Duration: 9 days, 21 hours, and 15 minutes.
- Academic Credentials: PhD in Material Science from the University of Virginia.
- Business Success: Co-founded Sensors Unlimited, which sold for approximately $700 million in 2000.
- Professional Honor: Elected member of the National Academy of Engineering in 2010.
Early Life and Academic Resilience
Born on April 20, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York, Gregory Olsen grew up in Bay Ridge. The son of a school teacher and an electrician from IBEW Local 3, Olsen was early inspired by his father's technical skills and the value of being able to repair things independently. Despite these inclinations, his early academic path was rocky; he was written off as a failure by high school teachers due to poor grades.
Initially planning to join the United States Army, Olsen was encouraged to attempt college. Supported by an IBEW Local 3 scholarship, he excelled at Fairleigh Dickinson University, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Engineering, and a Master of Science. He furthered his expertise by earning a PhD in material science from the University of Virginia, focusing his doctoral thesis on the fcc-bcc transformation (the structural change between face-centered cubic and body-centered cubic lattices) in thin iron films under the guidance of William A. Jesser.
Entrepreneurial Success in Fiber Optics
Olsen's business career is deeply rooted in his scientific training. He believes that while intuition and hard work drive smaller companies, his graduate studies provided the technical foundation for his most successful ventures. In 1984, he co-founded EPITAXX, a manufacturer of optical detectors and receivers for cable television and fiber optic telecommunications, which he sold in 1990 for $12 million.
In 1992, Olsen co-founded Sensors Unlimited with Dr. Marshall J. Cohen. The company specialized in optoelectronic devices—electronic devices that source, detect, and control light—specifically sensitive near-infrared (NIR) and shortwave-infrared (SWIR) cameras. This venture saw massive success, selling to Finisar Corp in 2000 for roughly $700 million. After a management repurchase in 2002, the company was sold again to Goodrich, Corp. in 2005 for $60 million.
Today, Olsen serves as the President of GHO Ventures, LLC, based in Princeton, New Jersey. Through this entity, he manages a diverse portfolio including angel investments, a Montana ranch, a South African winery, and real estate in Miami and Manhattan.
The Journey to the International Space Station
In October 2005, Gregory Olsen became the third self-funded private citizen to visit the ISS, following Dennis Tito and Mark Shuttleworth. He launched on October 1 via Soyuz TMA-7 and returned to Earth on October 11 via Soyuz TMA-6.
Olsen has been vocal about his dislike for the term "space tourist," arguing that it implies a simple "joyride." In reality, his mission required two years of intensive training with the Russian Space Agency. His path to launch was not without obstacles; a routine x-ray revealed a black spot on his lung, requiring nine months of monthly medical evaluations before he was cleared for flight.
While aboard the station, Olsen utilized his scientific background to conduct experiments in astronomy and remote sensing. An avid amateur radio operator (callsign KC2ONX), he also used the ARISS project to communicate with students on Earth via ham radio. He later estimated the total cost of his excursion to be approximately $20 million.
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Academic Contributions and Philanthropy
Beyond his business and space achievements, Olsen is dedicated to education. He serves as a physics professor at Rider University and is a member of the Fairleigh Dickinson University Board of Trustees. He frequently conducts speaking engagements to inspire children, particularly females and minorities, to pursue careers in science and engineering.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Space Mission | Soyuz TMA-7 (Launch) / Soyuz TMA-6 (Landing) |
| Time in Space | 9 days, 21 hours, 15 minutes |
| Primary Education | Fairleigh Dickinson University (B.S., B.Eng, M.S.) |
| Doctorate | PhD in Material Science, University of Virginia |
| Key Companies | EPITAXX, Sensors Unlimited, GHO Ventures |
| Major Honor | National Academy of Engineering (2010) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Gregory Olsen dislike the term "space tourist"?
Olsen believes the term suggests that a person simply pays for a leisure trip. He emphasizes that his journey required two years of rigorous training with the Russian Space Agency and significant physical and mental preparation.
What scientific work did Olsen do in space?
He conducted various experiments focusing on astronomy and remote sensing. Additionally, he used ham radio to engage with students on Earth through the ARISS project.
How did Olsen's education influence his business success?
Olsen credits his graduate training in physics and material science as the foundation for his start-up companies, specifically in the development of optical detectors and fiber optic technology.
What was the cost of Gregory Olsen's trip to the ISS?
In an informal presentation at a New Jersey high school, Dr. Olsen estimated the cost of his space excursion to be approximately $20 million.
What is the focus of GHO Ventures, LLC?
GHO Ventures is the vehicle through which Olsen manages his angel investments, real estate holdings in Manhattan and Miami, a ranch in Montana, and a winery in South Africa.