A former army test pilot is to become the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station and says it will be less dangerous than his old job.
Major Tim Peake, 41, will be the first UK astronaut in space for more than 20 years. One of six candidates selected from more than 8,000 hopefuls, he will live and work on the space station for six months, starting in November 2015.
Asked at a news conference at the Science Museum in London if he was worried about dangers on the mission, he said: “No, I think my future career is probably far safer than my past career.
“I’ve carried out some fairly high-risk flight tests. It’s not an unfamiliar environment to be working in I’m not overly apprehensive about that.”
Maj Peake will carry out a science programme and take part in a European education initiative before and during his mission.
Prime Minister David Cameron said: “This is a momentous day, not just for Tim Peake but for Great Britain.
“It is a great sign of our thriving British space sector, which has seen real growth thanks to our world-class research, and now supports nearly 30,000 jobs.
“What an achievement that Tim was picked for this historic role from over 8,000 applicants from around the world. I am sure he will do us proud and I hope that he will inspire the next generation to pursue exciting careers in science and engineering.”
Chichester-born Maj Peake who was instrumental in introducing Apache helicopters into service with the British Army after flying them in the US said: “It really is a true privilege to be assigned to a long duration mission. It feels like a real high point in a long career in aviation.
“I am really grateful to my family, friends and professional colleagues who are supporting me as I prepare for the challenge that lies ahead.
“The mission to the International Space Station is going to be a wonderful opportunity, not just for Europe and European science but the UK as well.”
In a jokey reference to David Bowie fan Commander Chris Hadfield, he said: “I do play the guitar, but very badly, and I wouldn’t inflict my singing on anybody.”
Hadfield, from Canada, was his country’s first professional astronaut and gained a legion of fans on the Soyuz space capsule mission to and from the ISS by performing a cover of the Bowie classic Space Oddity.