Tim Peake

Tim Peake is a British European Space Agency astronaut and former Army Air Corps officer who made history as the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station. In December 2015, he launched aboard the Soyuz TMA-19M with crewmates Tim Kopra and Yuri Malenchenko, beginning a six-month mission as part of Expeditions 46 and 47. During this mission, he became the first Briton ever to complete a spacewalk, working on the ISS’s power supply system. His achievements captured the imagination of millions and positioned him as one of the most inspiring public figures in science, exploration and education.

Before his space career, Tim served for 18 years in the Army Air Corps, gaining his flying wings in 1994 and being recognised as the top student on his course. Rising to the rank of major, he operated as a test pilot and officer on military operations in demanding environments, including Afghanistan. This experience in high-pressure, high-risk settings gave him a unique foundation for his later career with the European Space Agency, which he joined in 2009 after a rigorous five-year astronaut training programme.

Tim’s mission to space was not only about science and exploration but also about inspiring future generations. Through his live #CosmicClassroom broadcasts and engaging educational content, he reached over two million students across Europe, sparking interest in STEM subjects and showing the power of human curiosity and perseverance. Since then, he has become a bestselling author, publishing works including ‘Hello, Is This Planet Earth?’, Ask an Astronaut and Limitless. His books have combined breathtaking imagery, personal insights and practical advice, reaching wide audiences well beyond the scientific community.

In 2023, Tim retired from active service at ESA, taking on an ambassadorial role while continuing to inspire through public speaking, writing and education. In 2024, he joined Axiom Space as Strategic Advisor for UK Commercial Spaceflight, further underlining his commitment to shaping the future of exploration. As a speaker, he draws on his extraordinary experiences to deliver compelling lessons on teamwork, resilience and innovation. He is hired for his ability to connect with audiences, motivating them to think bigger, embrace challenges and pursue excellence under pressure.