Tim Peake coordinates an EVA training session from inside the Aquarius underwater habitat. Credit: NASA
external samples if you like. For example, on the Columbus Module we have the SOLAR experiments, which
are taking samples from the Sun so that we can study
the Sun cycles. That experiment stays outside for a long
time so we can gather data permanently about that.”
RS: What have you done whilst training?
PEAKE: “Training has been going on for a number of
years now. It started with basic training when I was first
selected in 2009 and that was for 14 months. It really
gets everyone up to speed in the core sciences, introduces you to microgravity - the vomit comet! You start
Russian and that continues all the way up to launch.”
RS: How have you found the Russian? Could you
speak any before you became an astronaut?
PEAKE: “I’ve found the Russian very challenging as I’m
not a natural linguist. But I’ve enjoyed it and I’m at the
stage where I can relax and be more conversant.”
RS: What advice do you have for any
children who want to become astronauts?
PEAKE: “My advice is to try and find out what it is that
you like, and what you enjoy doing as that tends to
https://twitter.com/astro_timpeake
be what you are good at, and really pursue those activities. Try to do as well as you can at those. If you are
keen on becoming an astronaut then you will have
an interest in space anyway and it helps to keep up
to date with space news, what is going on, what missions are being launched and what the focus of the
Space Agency is. Try to get exposure if at all possible to many international environments; working
with different cultures and learning languages are a
good thing to do. This kind of thing will put you in the
best place when there is an astronaut selection.”
Tim Peake has many more months before his launch
date, and the training will continue to be intensive,
not only at the ESA Headquarters, but in the USA and
Russia. The eyes of the world, especially the UK, will
be watching as he leaves the Earth on board Soyuz
TMA-19M, him and a red, white and blue flag.
I will leave the last word to astronaut Tim Peake…..
“Seeing the Earth from space will undoubtedly be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring sights I will ever witness, and will provide a
unique perspective from which to reflect on the
wonders of our universe a