Proxima live

 

This page will be updated with video streams to watch all elements of the launch and docking live. Here is the schedule of events:

• Launch: 20:20:13 GMT 17 November
• Soyuz separation: 20:28:58 GMT 17 November
• Docking: 22:02:36 GMT 19 November
• Hatch opening: 00:15 GMT 20 November

 

To watch the launch and docking with French audio go to France's space agency CNES' website.

Thomas, Peggy and Oleg will spend six months in space working and living on the International Space Station.

Follow the whole mission with live updates via the Proxima mission blog and on Twitter via @esaspaceflight in English and @CNES in French. Connect with Thomas at thomaspesquet.esa.int

Journalists and representatives of social media are invited to watch the launch in France at La Géode, Paris, and La Cité de l’Espace, Toulouse. Both events are organised in conjunction with France’s CNES space agency.

Proxima

Science is an important part of the mission. Thomas will conduct a wide range of experiments on the Station, an out-of-this world research outpost that serves as a stepping stone for human exploration.

His Proxima mission is the ninth long-duration mission for an ESA astronaut. It is named after the closest star to the Sun, continuing a tradition of naming missions with French astronauts after stars and constellations.

During Proxima, Thomas will perform around 50 scientific experiments for ESA and CNES as well as take part in many research activities for the other Station partners.

Education and inspiring youngsters is another important part of his mission. Thomas is determined to make Proxima an exciting adventure for all his followers and work as an ambassador for science- and space-based careers.

School activities running alongside Thomas’s mission include elements of science or technology, from computer coding, growing crystals and maths demonstrations to fitness and nutrition.

Read more about his mission at www.esa.int/proxima