Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tim Peake will return to the International Space Station on second European Space Agency mission

Major Peake had said that he would head back to space in a 'heartbeat'

Andrew Griffin
Thursday 26 January 2017 10:19 GMT
Comments
Britain's astronaut Tim Peake gestures to his child from a bus after his space suit was tested at the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome, prior to blasting off to the International Space Station
Britain's astronaut Tim Peake gestures to his child from a bus after his space suit was tested at the Russian-leased Baikonur cosmodrome, prior to blasting off to the International Space Station (KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP/Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Tim Peake will return to the International Space Station.

Major Peake lived on the station between December 2015 and 2016 in his first mission.

The former helicopter test pilot made the announcement at the Science Museum, where he was introducing the installation of his original spacecraft. He was also made a Fellow of the museum.

During Major Peake's first mission, he became the first British person to participate in a spacewalk, which he said was the highlight of his mission. He also engaged in a number of other activities intended to promote interest in space across the country and beyond, including running the 2016 London Marathon on the ISS treadmill and so becoming the first man – and second person – to run a marathon from space.

He also participated in more than 250 scientific experiments during his 186 days on the station.

On his return to Earth in June, Major Peake said that he would return to space in a "heartbeat". He also said that he dreamt of going to the moon and said he hoped that the UK would fund manned space missions.

He made that return journey with crew mates American Nasa astronaut Colonel Tim Kopra and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko who fell back down to Earth in a Soyuz capsule measuring little more than six feet across – and it is that capsule that's now being shown off at the Science Museum, slightly scorched by the journey.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in