European Space Agency recruits test pilot as Britain's first official astronaut

After a career of 18 years in the army and a one-year-long selection procedure, the 37-year-old Timothy Peake has become Britain’s first astronaut. It’s a surprise, because even though Britain’s yearly contribution to the European Space Agency is quite high, they only want it to be used for satellites and robotic missions. It has always been Timothy Peake’s dream to become an astronaut. The training will start for the six new astronauts in September and will last more than one year. It will take at least three-and-a-half years before the astronauts will take part in a spatial mission. ESA will have to compete with NASA for seats, so they cannot even guarantee they will come on board of the Russian rocket.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2009/may/20/british-astronaut-european-space-agency-training

Reaction to: European Space Agency recruits test pilot as Britain's first official astronaut

I think Timothy Peake is very lucky to be in this position. The selection procedure was long and though and there were so many candidates so it is a privilege to join this team. I am also very jealous, because it has always been my dream to be a helicopter (Apache) pilot and that has been his job for 18 years. When I was a little girl I always wanted to go into space to experience the lack of gravity myself, and this dream will become true for Timothy Peake. He is a lucky man and I am glad he realizes this himself.