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U.K. Space Agency + ESA… Brit To Become An ISS Astronaut (Event)

[SatNews] Former Apache helicopter pilot Tim Peake is to become the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station, making him the first U.K. astronaut in space for more than 20 years. After more than three years of training with the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Astronaut Programme, Peake has been selected to live and work on the International Space Station (ISS) for six months. He will carry out a comprehensive science programme and take part in a European education outreach programme in the build up to and during his mission. Tim is one of six astronauts who have been selected from among 8,000 hopefuls. The flight is expected to take place in November of 2015.


Tim Peake, the U.K.’s new astronaut who will be
en route to the ISS.
Speaking at a special event at the Science Museum in London, Tim Peake said, “I am delighted to be proposed for a long-duration mission to the International Space Station. This is another important mission for Europe and in particular a wonderful opportunity for European science, industry and education to benefit from microgravity research. Since joining the European Astronaut Corps in 2009, I have been training to work on the Station and I am extremely grateful to the ground support teams who make it possible for us to push the boundaries of knowledge through human spaceflight and exploration.”

Prime Minister David Cameron said, “This is a momentous day, not just for Tim Peake, but for Great Britain. It is a great sign of our thriving British space sector, which has seen real growth thanks to our world-class research, and now supports nearly 30,000 jobs. What an achievement that Tim was picked for this historic role from over 8,000 applicants from around the world. I am sure he will do us proud and I hope that he will inspire the next generation to pursue exciting careers in science and engineering.”

Tim was appointed as an ambassador for U.K. science and space-based careers in 2009 and is working with the U.K. Space Agency in developing the U.K.’s microgravity research programme. He has been involved in the international Mission X programme, which promotes science careers and healthy lifestyles in schools, and his outreach will continue throughout his training and his time on the ISS.