A former military helicopter pilot is to become the first UK astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS). <\/p>\n
Major Tim Peake will live and work on the space station for six months. He will carry out a science programme and take part in a European education initiative before and during his mission. <\/p>\n
He is one of six astronauts selected from more than 8,000 hopefuls. The flight is expected to take place in November 2015. <\/p>\n
Major Peake , 41, has undergone 14 months of rigorous training, which has included survival courses and exercises under water and underground. <\/p>\n
The former British Army Air Corps helicopter pilot, who graduated as an astronaut three years ago, will be the first UK astronaut in space for more than 20 years. <\/p>\n
Speaking after his selection, Major Peake said: \"I applied to become an astronaut with the European Space Agency because I believe for me it's a unique opportunity in my life to become part of a team that can have such a positive impact on society. <\/p>\n
\"I believe humankind faces some enormous challenges this century, and the space arena is going to be fundamental in overcoming some of those challenges.\" <\/p>\n
It is hoped Major Peake, who tweets with the handle @astro--timpeake , could even match the popularity of David Bowie fan, Commander Chris Hadfield. <\/p>\n
Astronaut Ends Space Mission With Bowie Classic <\/p>\n
Cdr Hadfield, from Canada, was his country's first professional astronaut, but gained a legion of fans on the Soyuz space capsule mission to and from the ISS,by performing a cover of the Bowie classic, Space Oddity. <\/p>\n
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\nUK Astronaut Tim Peake To Visit Space Station<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"