UK's first 'official' astronaut to go on space mission

Britain's first "official" astronaut, Major Tim Peake, has been chosen to take part in a five-month mission on the International Space Station.

Britain's first "official" astronaut, Major Tim Peake, has been chosen to take part in a five-month mission on the International Space Station.

HT Image

The 41-year-old has been chosen to complete the lengthy stay in orbit in 2015, when he will be blasted into space on a Russian Soyuz rocket and take part in spacewalks.

The father-of-two is considered Britain's first official spaceman as previous UK citizens have either secured private funding or have taken out American citizenship to make it into orbit.