Astronauts on International Space Station, including Tim Peake, safe despite being stranded | UK News
British astronaut Tim Peake reassured that the Boeing test pilots stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) are safe, despite uncertainty surrounding their return to Earth.
Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams piloted the first crewed mission of the Starliner spacecraft by aerospace giant Boeing to the ISS in early June.
However, several thrusters crucial for steering the capsule malfunctioned, leaving the pair awaiting a solution from Boeing and NASA.
Tim Peake stated, “The ISS is well-equipped with food and resources. The crew is safe, and the agencies are actively working on a plan for their return.
Each astronaut must assess the risks of human space flight, a necessary process to ensure comfort in such endeavors.”
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Tim Peake
Tim Peake shared these insights with Sky News at the Farnborough International Airshow, where it was announced that he will be part of the first commercial mission to send UK astronauts into orbit.
His role at Axiom Space, partnering with the UK Space Agency, will involve securing at least £200m in private sponsorship to make the mission a reality.
“This initiative is of great importance,” he emphasized.
“The UK space industry is thriving, growing at four times the rate of the overall economy.
“Thus, establishing a strong presence in UK space exploration will have a positive impact on the wider industry.”
Tim Peake during his first spacewalk at the ISS in 2015.Pic: NASA via Reuters
Axiom Space has facilitated three trips to the ISS for billionaire space tourists and European-funded astronauts.
The envisioned commercial mission for four UK astronauts would be a groundbreaking venture. It has not been decided yet if Tim Peake would lead the mission.
Tejpaul Bhatia, the company’s chief revenue officer, mentioned the crew could launch on a Space X rocket from Florida “within two to three years”, spending approximately two weeks aboard the ISS.
“Until recently, space exploration was primarily a government-funded enterprise,” he noted.
“This marks a different route to space.”
The declining costs of reaching low-Earth orbit and the scheduled decommissioning of the ISS in 2030 have created opportunities for commercial operators.
An anticipated private space station will likely be established, functioning as a commercial laboratory for astronauts to carry out experiments.
Axiom is leading the way, conducting missions to the ISS in its final years not just for scientific purposes but also to explore how humans can sustain life in space.
The company aims to secure funding for the UK mission from companies in various sectors who could propose experiments for the crew to execute.
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Any British company has the opportunity to participate. A recent mission with an Italian astronaut garnered sponsorship from pasta manufacturers and a luxury car brand.
The UK Space Agency has allocated £15m to send British science into space as part of this mission, pending approval.
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, stated: “Astronauts represent human spaceflight, but this mission emphasizes the benefits of space for individuals.
“From cutting-edge science to technology demonstrations in micro-gravity, along with educational programs, this mission demonstrates how space fosters opportunities and drives economic growth.”
