Menu
20/05/2013
UK Astronaut Selected To Fly To ISS
UK astronaut Tim Peake is to fly to the International Space Station (ISS).
Peake, who was a major and helicopter pilot in the British Army Air Corps, has been in training for an expedition to the ISS since 2009. He is the only Briton to date to be accepted into the European Astronaut Corps.
The date of the mission has yet to be disclosed, but it is thought it will not be until 2015.
The European Space Agency (Esa) will release the details later on Monday.
Peake has undergone 14 months of rigorous training, which has included survival courses and exercises under water and underground. Almost three years after graduating, he will complete a five-month mission on the ISS.
Once in orbit, tasks will include helping to maintain the 27,000km/h platform and carrying out science experiments in Esa's Columbus laboratory module, which is attached to the front of the 400-tonne complex.
While British-born adventurers have been into space before, they have done so either through the US space agency (NASA) as American citizens or on private ventures organised with the assistance of the Russian space agency. Peake will officially be the first British astronaut.
Speaking after his selection, Peake said: "I applied to become an astronaut with the European Space Agency because I believe for me it's a unique opportunity in my life to become part of a team that can have such a positive impact on society.
"I believe humankind faces some enormous challenges this century, and the space arena is going to be fundamental in overcoming some of those challenges."
ISS commander, Canadian Chris Hadfield recently returned to Earth following a period on the station, and attracted a large following for his tweets, videos and songs from the platform.
(JP/MH)
Peake, who was a major and helicopter pilot in the British Army Air Corps, has been in training for an expedition to the ISS since 2009. He is the only Briton to date to be accepted into the European Astronaut Corps.
The date of the mission has yet to be disclosed, but it is thought it will not be until 2015.
The European Space Agency (Esa) will release the details later on Monday.
Peake has undergone 14 months of rigorous training, which has included survival courses and exercises under water and underground. Almost three years after graduating, he will complete a five-month mission on the ISS.
Once in orbit, tasks will include helping to maintain the 27,000km/h platform and carrying out science experiments in Esa's Columbus laboratory module, which is attached to the front of the 400-tonne complex.
While British-born adventurers have been into space before, they have done so either through the US space agency (NASA) as American citizens or on private ventures organised with the assistance of the Russian space agency. Peake will officially be the first British astronaut.
Speaking after his selection, Peake said: "I applied to become an astronaut with the European Space Agency because I believe for me it's a unique opportunity in my life to become part of a team that can have such a positive impact on society.
"I believe humankind faces some enormous challenges this century, and the space arena is going to be fundamental in overcoming some of those challenges."
ISS commander, Canadian Chris Hadfield recently returned to Earth following a period on the station, and attracted a large following for his tweets, videos and songs from the platform.
(JP/MH)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 May 2009
Europe Space Agency Selects British Astronaut
Timothy Peake, a 37-year-old test pilot in the Army Air Corps, has become the first Briton to be selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to take part in manned space flight. Major Peak, from Chichester, becomes the first British astronaut since Helen Sharman in 1991.
Europe Space Agency Selects British Astronaut
Timothy Peake, a 37-year-old test pilot in the Army Air Corps, has become the first Briton to be selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) to take part in manned space flight. Major Peak, from Chichester, becomes the first British astronaut since Helen Sharman in 1991.
01 April 2011
UK Space Agency Fully Established And Going For Growth
The UK Space Agency becomes an executive agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills today. This will see the Agency taking over responsibility for the majority of the UK’s commitment to space exploration and science.
UK Space Agency Fully Established And Going For Growth
The UK Space Agency becomes an executive agency of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills today. This will see the Agency taking over responsibility for the majority of the UK’s commitment to space exploration and science.
29 November 2012
'Rocket Plane' To Speed-Up Air Travel
Reaction Engines has announced what it deems "the biggest breakthrough in aerospace propulsion technology since the invention of the jet engine".
'Rocket Plane' To Speed-Up Air Travel
Reaction Engines has announced what it deems "the biggest breakthrough in aerospace propulsion technology since the invention of the jet engine".
22 July 2009
European Space Agency Touches Down In UK
In a remarkable first for the UK, the European Space Agency (ESA) will touch down in Britain this week, heralding the start of a new space age and thrusting the sector forward for the next 40 years and beyond.
European Space Agency Touches Down In UK
In a remarkable first for the UK, the European Space Agency (ESA) will touch down in Britain this week, heralding the start of a new space age and thrusting the sector forward for the next 40 years and beyond.
18 October 2011
Branson Opens World's First Space Port
Millionaire eccentric Sir Richard Branson has opened the world's first commercial space port in New Mexico. More than 800 guests watched Branson abseil from the roof of the 'Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space' port while his commercial space vehicles flew over the southern New Mexico skies during the dedication ceremony.
Branson Opens World's First Space Port
Millionaire eccentric Sir Richard Branson has opened the world's first commercial space port in New Mexico. More than 800 guests watched Branson abseil from the roof of the 'Virgin Galactic Gateway to Space' port while his commercial space vehicles flew over the southern New Mexico skies during the dedication ceremony.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mainly dry day with variable amounts of cloud and some bright or sunny intervals. Chance of the odd shower, especially in the south this afternoon. Warm across western counties. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Some late sunshine this evening. Otherwise a cloudy night with patchy rain spreading west, becoming drier later on. Low and fog patches developing in the early hours. Minimum temperature 12 °C.
