Astronaut Tim Peake from West Sussex hopes to return to space

From humble beginnings in Westbourne, near Chichester, Tim Peake knew he wanted to be in the air – whether it be as part of the military, a test pilot or an astronaut.

Tim made history in 2015 when he became the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), where he spent six months living and working in space.

The 52-year-old will tell all about his space exploration on his new tour which comes to Brighton in September.

Tim Peake will visit Brighton in September as part of his new tour (Image: Lee Collier)

And now he’s looking forward to a potential return to space, as part of a commercially sponsored UK mission which could see him return to the ISS.

Tim had announced his retirement from the European Space Agency (ESA) early last year, but within months talk had started around the Axiom mission.

The UK Space Agency was approached last year by Axiom Space – an American company offering commercial space travel and currently working on the first commercial space station as a replacement for the ISS – to support their ambitions for an all-UK mission.

Axiom’s short-duration mission will be focused on scientific research, technology demonstrations and education.

“I was very surprised when Axiom Space got in touch, but it’s a hugely exciting project – especially as the aim is an all-UK mission,” he said.

• READ MORE: Astronaut says first thing he needed to do when he got to space was use the loo

“Would I like to go back to the ISS if there was a chance with Axiom? Absolutely – I don’t know of any astronaut who wouldn’t want another mission to space. It’s just an incredible experience.

“An average week, if there is such a thing, sees me spinning a lot of plates and hoping I don’t drop too many of them.

“I’ve had a dramatic career change once before when I went from being a test pilot to astronaut training and this has been a similar shift in focus.

“I’m an ambassador for The Prince’s Trust, Scouts, STEM Learning and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

“Realistically, with a career like this you don’t ever completely retire. I have been to events like the Starmus Festival a few years ago, where I had the privilege to meet several of the Apollo astronauts – from Charlie Duke to Buzz Aldrin. They are still out there promoting science, space and exploration and I hope I’ll do the same.

“Travelling to space gives you a unique perspective and I still enjoy sharing it.”

He said the new tour will be fast-paced, fun and entertaining.

He said: “It will be a behind the scenes look at human spaceflight, the excitement, the drama, the highs and lows.

“There have been around 610 people who have been in orbit, and I have only told the story of one of them so far. I’m now looking forward to sharing many of the other amazing stories.

“I am so honoured to have experienced the wonders of space travel myself, and yet it still continues to amaze me just how much space inspires and fascinates people of all ages.”

• Tim Peake will be at the Brighton Dome on September 8.