From launch to spacewalking: ESA astronaut Tim Peake discusses his Principia mission

Posted on Monday 25 September 2017

On Tuesday 26 September, a thousand-strong audience will learn about Tim’s busy and eventful Principia mission when he became the first British European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut to visit the Space Station.

Tim’s six months in space included a spacewalk to repair the Station’s power supply with NASA astronaut Tim Kopra, driving across a simulated Mars terrain from space and helping dock two spacecraft.   

He also took part in numerous experiments for ESA and international partners. Highlights included using the Space Station airlock to study his lungs, monitoring his sleeping patterns to learn how humans adapt to life without normal daylight, and recording how many calories he consumed to prepare for missions further from Earth.

Science

Tim Peake said: “I’ve been extremely touched by the support from York around my mission to the International Space Station. It is great to be back in York to thank as many people as possible in person." 

Professor Brian Fulton, the University of York’s Dean of Faculty for the Sciences, said: “We are delighted to welcome Tim Peake to York.  His Principia mission has hugely inspired many people, especially children, to develop their interest in science and to learn more about the career opportunities it opens up to them.”

The event, which is fully booked, will take place at the University’s Central Hall. As part of the programme, Tim will be interviewed by BBC Radio York’s Jonathan Cowap and answer questions from the audience.