Tri-Service
GO for flight! Major Tim Peake Blasts Into Space
The rocket carrying the British astronaut Major Tim Peake has blasted off successfully from Kazakhstan to the International Space Station.
This was the moment earlier (above) when the Soyuz space capsule carrying him, and his coleagues, Russian Yuri Malen-chenko and American Tim Kopra, prepared for blast off.
The former British Army pilot is making history as the first official UK astronaut.
Lift off occurred from the launch pad where, in 1961, Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space.
While on the International Space Station the astronaut will conduct scientific experiments and carry out educational projects designed to attract young people into science.
Footage & pictures: ESA
Members of Major Tim Peake's former squadron, Army Air Corps couldn't take their eyes off the television during the launch.
Members of #TimPeake former squadron, Army Air Corps during the #launchpic.twitter.com/uC3h888DYY
— British Army (@BritishArmy) December 15, 2015Some famous names have been tweeting their congratulations to Major Tim Peake & the rest of the #Expedition46 crew. Here's our favourite...
From one Rocket Man to another, good luck @astro_timpeake with your launch and mission! #Principia#spacerocks
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) December 15, 2015More from Forces TV: Kate Meets...Tim Peake
Former colleagues of Major Tim Peake gathered at his old base in Middle Wallop in preparation for his launch.
Charlotte Cross was there to watch the launch and spoke to Lt Col Brendan Shaw...
Related topics
Join Our Newsletter
