British astronaut Tim Peake is gearing up to launch his latest tour, Astronauts: The Quest to Explore Space, which will visit 25 venues across England, Scotland, and Wales this autumn. This tour promises to delve into the past, present, and future of space travel, sharing awe-inspiring stories of astronauts and their adventures.
Peake, who made history in 2015 as the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), is now eyeing a potential return to space through a commercially sponsored UK mission. Axiom Space, a US-based company, has proposed an all-UK mission aimed at scientific research, technology demonstrations, and educational outreach. Peake expressed excitement about the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of the UK’s representation in the rapidly growing space sector.
The tour follows the success of Peake’s sold-out debut, My Journey To Space, which ran from 2021 to 2023. Peake promises a fast-paced, entertaining experience that will provide a behind-the-scenes look at human spaceflight, covering everything from the early days of the 1950s to the upcoming Artemis program and the first human mission to Mars. Tickets are available through www.fane.co.uk/tim-peake
Reflecting on his retirement from the European Space Agency (ESA) and the subsequent opportunities, Peake noted that his decision allowed him to engage more with advisory work, charity efforts, and the commercial space industry. He remains an ambassador for ESA and several charities, including The Prince’s Trust and Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Peake’s passion for space and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education continues to drive his efforts. He highlighted the significant potential for the UK in the space industry, with opportunities for cutting-edge scientific research and collaboration with international partners.
Looking ahead, Peake envisions space becoming a hub for advanced manufacturing and medical research, such as 3D printing human organs in microgravity environments. He also acknowledged the challenges of space debris and the need for cleaner, more efficient rocket fuels.
Ultimately, Peake’s mission is to inspire the next generation. He takes pride in the legacy of his Principia mission, which has motivated countless students to pursue STEM subjects. “It’s a huge privilege to have a platform that allows you to inspire people,” he said. “So many people are inspired by space. We are all mesmerized by the universe – that place where you can wonder and dream.”
For more information and tickets, visit www.fane.co.uk/tim-peake
