British astronaut Tim Peake launches to ISS

“It was great to watch Tim Peake blast off on his mission to join the International Space Station”, British Prime Minister David Cameron said on Twitter.

European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Tim Peake is making history today as the first British astronaut to travel to the International Space Station (ISS).

Travelling with Major Peake will be Russian commander Yuri Malenchenko and Nasa astronaut Tim Kopra.

The Principia crew, Tim Peake, Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko and USA astronaut Tim Kopra, will get suited up before they’re taken to the launch pad.

Tim Peake gave the thumbs up and waved at the cameras during the second stage of the launch process as the rockets on the Soyuz projected the team through our atmosphere at over 13,500mph.

At 5.23pm the space capsule is due to dock with the Space Station and will mark the start of his six month mission.

“That way”, Peake told students during a question-and-answer session last month, “I can spend as long as I like drinking my tea and it won’t get stewed, and hopefully it won’t get cold either”.

The International Space Station has been in continuous operation for 15 years and requires regular maintenance.

Peake had to undergo 6,000 hours of training and learn Russian before embarking on the mission.

“They’ve seen where I’m going to eat, where I’m going to sleep, where I’m going to go to the loo, which is the most exciting part for them”, said Major Peake. Others have done so as private individuals or by taking US citizenship, the BBC reported.

Elton wrote: “From one Rocket Man to another, good luck @astro_timpeake with your launch and mission!”

At 11:03 GMT (17:03 local time), notwithstanding some unforeseen obstacle, the Soyuz launcher’s five thruster units will ignite, blasting the astronauts into orbit for the six-hour journey to the ISS.

“He is a symbol for his family and his friends but also for all the kids in Europe, the United Kingdom and Belfast, to show that science is important”. He is also scheduled to attempt to run 26.2 miles on the International Space Station’s treadmill during the London marathon in April, a race he has already completed under more typical circumstances.