Tim Peake was the first British ESA astronaut to visit the International Space Station. He is also a No.1 best-selling author and an inspirational communicator of science to audiences of all ages. A former Apache helicopter pilot, flight instructor and test pilot, Tim was selected as an ESA astronaut in May 2009. After years of arduous training Tim was assigned to a mission to the International Space Station in May 2013. He launched to space on 15 December 2015. Tim was the first British astronaut to perform a spacewalk (EVA) and took part in over 250 scientific experiments during his mission. His Principia mission inspired the nation and focused on educational outreach, engaging more than 2 million schoolchildren across Europe in over 30 projects during his time in space. Tim was awarded a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George by Queen Elizabeth II.