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Tim Peake: First UK astronaut on International Space Station tweets from space

The space station is kitted out with data connections that will allow Major Peake to keep in touch with home, and call his family on Christmas day

Wednesday 16 December 2015 13:33 GMT

British astronaut Tim Peake waves to his sons shortly before lift-off (PA)

Tim Peake has sent his first tweet from space, hours after becoming the first British astronaut on board the International Space Station.

“Hi from #ISS!” he posted, apparently using one of the various data connections on board the International Space Station. “What an incredible ride to space yesterday — Soyuz felt so smooth & powerful. Yuri did outstanding job getting us safely docked.”

The Soyuz is the Russian spacecraft that carried Major Peake and his colleagues up to the International Space Station during a six-hour flight. Yuri is Major Peake’s colleague, Yuri Malenchenko, who was also on board the Soyuz.

Major Peake set off in the Soyuz FG rocket at 11.03GMT, a day before the tweet was sent. The team arrived later that evening.

In a live link to family and friends viewing the drama on a cinema screen in a Baikonur theatre, he said of the journey: "It was a beautiful launch, that sunrise was absolutely spectacular. We also got the benefit of a moon rise which was beautiful to see.

"To Europe and the UK, I hope you enjoyed the show."

His wife Rebecca told him: "There were quite a few parties down on the ground, so your launch was well celebrated by everybody down here. Have a great mission. We love you."

In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

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1/12In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

Major Tim Peake blasting off into orbit on board the Soyuz space capsule on his way to becoming the first British astronaut to join the crew of the International Space Station (ISS)

PA

In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

Major Tim Peake (left) blasting off into orbit on board the Soyuz space capsule on his way to becoming the first British astronaut to join the crew of the International Space Station (ISS)

PA

In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

Photographers take pictures as Russia's Soyuz TMA-19M spacecraft carrying the International Space Station (ISS) Expedition 46/47 crew of Britain's astronaut Tim Peake, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko and US astronaut Tim Kopra blasts off from the launch pad at Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome

AFP

In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

Expedition 46-47 crewmembers ESA astronaut Tim Peake, NASA astronaut Tim Kopra and commander Yuri Malenchenko launch into space from Baikonur cosmodrome in Baikonur, Kazakhstan

Getty Images

In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

The Russian rocket launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan in front of the world's media following weeks of preparation

PA

In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

The Russian rocket minutes before launch

In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

Tim Peake, member of the main crew of the expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), waves to his children from a bus prior the launch of Soyuz TMA-19M space ship at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

US astronaut Tim Kopra waves as he boards the Soyuz TMA-19M spacecraft at the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome, prior to blasting off to the International Space Station (ISS)

Getty Images

In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

Britain's astronaut Tim Peake (bottom), Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko (top) and US astronaut Tim Kopra board the Soyuz TMA-19M spacecraft at the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome, prior to blasting off to the International Space Station (ISS)

Getty Images

In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

British astronaut Tim Peake, member of the main crew to the International Space Station (ISS), during inspecting his space suit prior the launch of Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

AP

In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

British astronaut Tim Peake, left, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko, center, and U.S. astronaut Tim Kopra, members of the main crew of the expedition to the International Space Station (ISS), walk to report to members of the State Committee prior to the launch of Soyuz TMA-19M space ship at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

AP

In pictures: Tim Peake goes into space

From left, British astronaut Tim Peake, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko and U.S. astronaut Tim Kopra, members of the main crew to the International Space Station (ISS), wave to their relatives near a bus prior the launch of Soyuz-FG rocket at the Russian leased Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan

AP

During his time on the space station, Major Peake will be conducting dozens of scientific experiments and work in a strict routine.

But the International Space Station’s first Briton will get a bit of a break on Christmas Day, when he is hoping to speak with his family over a video link.

He and his fellow astronauts will also be able to tuck into their own festive meal after a Christmas pudding was sent to the space station in a supply delivery.

Additional reporting by agencies

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