Tim Peake at Number 10

Tim was a helicopter test pilot before joining the ESA astronaut corps in 2009. He is the third ESA astronaut from the new class of 2009 to be assigned a mission to the International Space Station.

His mission is the culmination of 18 years of flying experience with the British Army and as a civilian pilot. An intense training schedule awaits Tim as he flies around the world to learn Space Station procedures from the international partners that built and operate the orbital outpost: Canada, USA, Russia, Japan and Europe.

Prime Minister David Cameron wished Tim well: “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’s classmate Luca Parmitano is heading for the International Space Station next week on a Soyuz from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. Alexander Gerst and Samantha Cristoforetti will follow a year later in 2014. Andreas Mogensen and Thomas Pesquet will fly before the end of 2017.