Course Learning

Tim Peake is a British astronaut who became the first British European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS).

Tim Peake was born on 7th April 1972 in Chichester, England.

Before becoming an astronaut, he was a helicopter pilot and a major in the British Army.

Tim Peake is a real-life space hero and his mission has inspired many people, especially young students, to learn more about space and science!

Tim joined the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2009 after being selected from over 8,000 applicants.

During his astronaut training, Tim had to learn how to speak Russian, as he used the Soyuz rocket to travel to space, and learn how to perform minor surgical procedures and dentistry.

Underwater training allowed him to perform simulated spacewalks and parabolic flights gave him the first taste of weightlessness. To prepare for the forces of launch and re-entry, a machine called a centrifuge prepared Tim for the large amount of force he would experience on his body.

Tim blasted into space in December 2015 as part of the Expedition 46/27 crew. He spent six months on the ISS conducting scientific experiments, spacewalks and educational activities.

On 15th January 2016, Tim became the first British ESA astronaut to complete a spacewalk (EVA). He spent 4 hours and 43 minutes outside the ISS helping with repairs and upgrades.

During his mission, Tim was involved in many educational programs inspiring children to become interested in science, technology and space exploration.

Tim returned to Earth in June 2016. Since then, he's been an advocate for space exploration, science and education, often giving talks and writing books about his experiences.

Fascinating facts about Tim Peake!

• On December 15th, 2015, Tim became the first British astronaut to travel into space on a Russian space capsule (Soyuz) to stay on the ISS as part of the European Space Agency (ESA).
• On January 15th, 2016, Tim completed his first spacewalk at the ISS and became the first British astronaut to spacewalk.
• Before becoming an astronaut, Tim was a Major in the RAF and flew Apache helicopters.
• Tim spent a total of 185 days, 22 hours and 11 minutes in space.
• All astronauts, like Tim, need to learn to speak and read Russian as it is used on the ISS and in the Soyuz space capsule.
• Astronauts can grow up to 3% taller whilst in space, although they go back to normal when back on the Earth.
• The International Space Station (ISS) does 16 orbits of Earth every day (24 hours).

Tim Peake was accepted into the European Space Agency (ESA) on 18th, May 2009, becoming the first officially British ESA astronaut.