The UK Space Agency has paid tribute to Tim Peake, following his
decision to step down from the active European Space Agency (ESA)
astronaut corps and assume an ambassadorial role for space.
Tim will work closely with the UK Space Agency and ESA in his new
role, where he will use the inspirational power of space and his
own journey to encourage more young people to pursue careers in
science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:
Tim Peake is an incredible ambassador for the UK space sector and
has played a leading role over the past decade.
Not only has he carried out important scientific work, during his
historic Principia mission to the International Space Station and
while on Earth, but he has inspired millions with his passion for
space and the opportunities it offers.
Tim has played a huge role in promoting STEM education and space
careers, and has shone a light on the hundreds of roles involved
in getting an astronaut into space, and across the wider space
sector. It’s thanks to Tim and those who have worked with him
that we can look forward to a new generation of skilled
scientists, engineers, lawyers, designers and more, who will help
the UK space sector soar to new hights.
We wish Tim all the best and look forward to supporting him in
his next adventure, knowing that the UK’s role in human space
exploration is in the safe hands of the new generation of ESA
astronauts from the UK: Rosemary Coogan, Meganne Christian, and
the world’s first astronaut with a physical disability, .
Tim Peake said:
Being an ESA astronaut has been the most extraordinary
experience. I have had the privilege of working with an
exceptional team of dedicated individuals during the past
thirteen years with the Agency, which has been incredibly
exciting and rewarding. By assuming the role of an ambassador for
human spaceflight, I shall continue to support ESA and the UK
Space Agency, with a focus on educational outreach, and I look
forward to the many exciting opportunities ahead.
Born in Chichester in 1972, Tim was selected as an ESA astronaut
in May 2009, making him the UK’s second astronaut after Helen
Sharman. His Principia mission, which launched in December 2015,
saw him become the first UK astronaut to visit the International
Space Station (ISS).
During his six-month stint onboard the ISS, he became the first
person to complete a spacewalk while sporting a Union Jack on his
shoulder, to repair part of the station’s supply. He controlled a
rover remotely in the Stevenage Mars Yard, helped dock two
spacecraft, ran the London marathon on a treadmill, and took part
in scientific experiments for ESA and international partners.
Before returning to Earth in June 2016, Tim also worked with the
UK Space Agency to engage more than two million schoolchildren
across the UK – approximately one in three schools – in over 30
projects.
Tim has since held several ESA positions, including Head of
Astronaut Operations, and has become well known for his work to
champion space through education and outreach activities,
encouraging children around the world to think about the
opportunities that space can offer.
ESA’s Director General Josef Aschbacher said:
Tim has been a role model for kids, aspiring youngsters and young
professionals alike, inspiring millions of them and at the same
time being an excellent ambassador for the whole of ESA, its
values and its ambition – I would like to thank Tim most
sincerely and am looking forward to his continued involvement
with the Agency.
UKspace Chair, John Hanley, said:
For more than a decade, Tim Peake has inspired millions of people
of all ages in the UK and internationally through his energy and
commitment to STEM education and outreach. By being the first
British astronaut to visit the ISS and complete a spacewalk, Tim
has showcased space and brought awareness to the masses of the
power and value of space-based technology and data. UKspace
wishes Tim every success in the next stage of his career as he
continues to educate and inspire people through his ambassadorial
work.
ESA announced its latest cohort of astronauts during the ESA
Council of Ministers 2022 in Paris in November 2022, including
the UK’s third career astronaut Rosemary Coogan, world-first
astronaut with a physical disability, and member of the ESA astronaut
reserve, Meganne Christian.
