posted 01-20-2023 09:50 AM               

Astronaut Tim Peake assumes ESA ambassadorial role

Since Oct. 1 2019, British ESA astronaut Tim Peake has been taking an unpaid leave of absence from ESA. During this time, he continued to support ESA having returned to the UK where he has been working more closely with the UK Space Agency on their education and outreach programme.

With Tim's sabbatical ending on Dec. 31, 2022, he has decided to step down from the active ESA astronaut corps. Tim will now assume the role of ambassador for ESA's activities, in close cooperation with the UK Space Agency. In this role, Tim will continue to focus on maximising the potential for young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), in addition to supporting ESA's Human and Robotic Exploration programme and the future growth of the space industry.

Tim Peake was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009 and was the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station in December 2015.

His mission, named "Principia," was an eventful and busy six months in space. It included a spacewalk to repair the Station's power supply, participating in over 250 scientific experiments for ESA and international partners and many educational outreach activities in cooperation with UK Space Agency, engaging more than two million schoolchildren across Europe in over 30 projects during his time in space.

After his flight and completion of all post-mission activities, Tim held various roles within ESA, including Head of Astronaut Operations.

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 13 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."

"Having worked with Tim since the announcement of his selection, I want to thank him for his contribution to European human spaceflight and exploration," said David Parker, ESA's Director for Human and Robotic Exploration. "His Principia mission touched literally millions of young lives in Europe," he added.

Frank De Winne, Head of the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) and ESA ISS Programme Manager, said, "Throughout his career at ESA, Tim's performance has been outstanding, whether it was in space, as European ISS Communicator ("Eurocom") on console or Head of Astronaut Operations at EAC."

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."

posted 07-23-2024 08:42 AM               

Axiom Space Welcomes British Astronaut Tim Peake to its Astronaut Corps

Peake to serve as strategic advisor for all-UK human spaceflight mission

Renowned British astronaut Tim Peake joins Axiom Space's astronaut team as a strategic advisor, with the specific task of supporting the development of and strategy behind a potential all-UK human spaceflight mission with the Houston-based company.

Peake, a celebrated figure in the space community, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new advisory role. He will support the team's strategy to confirm and secure funding for this one-nation space exploration effort. The proposed mission aims to be a groundbreaking, first-of-its-kind venture, showcasing the viability of a commercially sponsored pathway to space for the UK.

"We are thrilled to welcome Tim Peake to Axiom Space," said Michael Lopéz-Alegría, Axiom Space Chief Astronaut. "His vision and guidance will be invaluable as we work to make this all-UK mission a reality. Partnering with the UK Space Agency on this historic endeavor underscores our collective commitment to redefining access to space, unlocking low-Earth orbit's true potential for nations and industries around the world."

In October 2023, Axiom Space and the UK Space Agency signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the feasibility of a UK-crewed commercial mission. This collaborative effort is designed to be funded through private sponsorships from UK-based companies. And in February, the UK Space Agency announced up to £15 million could be made available for British science and technology to fly to space, should the proposed UK mission progress as planned.

"I am excited to join Axiom Space and contribute to this pioneering effort," said Peake. "An all-UK mission represents a significant opportunity for our country to establish a strong presence as well as a leadership role in the commercial space sector. I look forward to working with Axiom Space and the UK Space Agency to advance this exciting possibility."