Tim Peake hints at ending retirement as he hails history-making UK area mission

Tim Peake has hinted he would possibly come out of retirement as he praised plans for an all-UK area mission.

The 51-year-old, who turned the primary Briton to finish a spacewalk outdoors the International Space Station in 2016, introduced his determination to retire from his position as a European Space Agency astronaut in January this yr.

The UK Space Agency (UKSA) has now signed an settlement with a US firm, which may result in the primary all-UK mission to area.

The mission would see British astronauts spend a fortnight in orbit to hold out analysis, show new applied sciences and participate in schooling actions.

When requested if he can be tempted to return out of retirement to guide the history-making expedition, Major Peake replied: “I don’t think I’ve ever been in retirement.”

Describing the UKSA’s deal as “a very exciting development,” he additionally informed Radio 4’s Today programme: “There is a lot happening in the space sector right now and I think for the UK to be at the forefront of this new era of exploring commercial opportunities is a fantastic thing.”

Major Peake famous that whereas there are hurdles to beat earlier than the plan is finalised – together with crew choice, coaching and NASA approval – it is encouraging that the UKSA has “started the ball rolling”.

UK universities and analysis establishments have been requested to share concepts for experiments which may very well be carried out in area throughout a two-week interval.

Britain has solely had two astronauts in area earlier than – Helen Sharman in 1989 and Major Peake 27 years later.

The deal was introduced as science minister George Freeman opened the London Stock Exchange and spoke about alternatives to convey funding into the UK’s area trade.

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He stated: “The prospect of a historic UK mission with Axiom Space has the potential to inspire a whole new generation to reach for the stars, while supporting our efforts to build one of the most innovative and attractive space economies in the world.

“We want to put the UK at the forefront of the global race for commercial space investment, continue to support scientists and engineers to test new technologies and carry out important research and, ultimately, bring the benefits back to people and businesses across the country.”