Dark skies inspired Tim Peake's space wonder

Former UK astronaut Tim Peake has been describing how his childhood growing up in West Sussex inspired him to travel into space.

Peake was the first British astronaut to set foot on the International Space Station and the first to conduct a spacewalk during his six-month mission in 2015 and 2016.

The former Army helicopter pilot stepped down permanently from his role as a European astronaut in 2023, taking up a full-time ambassadorial position for science and space.

He told BBC Radio Sussex: "I went to the cadets at Chichester High School and carried on with that adventurous streak which ultimately led me to the army and to space."

Speaking about growing up in West Sussex, Peake said: "I had such a very safe, very secure childhood.

"Living in Westbourne it has quite dark skies and I remember thinking 'I wonder what's out there?'."

Mr Peake said he was inspired by his school physics teacher Mike Gouldstone.

He said: "He was amazing. My teachers made their lessons so exciting and as relevant as they could.

"That ingrained a passion for science which has never left me."

Peake joined the European Space Agency in 2009 after an 18-year career in the army.

He was announced in 2024 as part of a team that will launch the first all-British crewed mission into space.

He said: "I love the way space has the ability to inspire people.

"When you get the chance to talk to school kids about how your dreams can become a reality it is always an amazing experience.

"Everyone looks up at the stars and has that moment of awe and wonder."

In his new theatre tour Peake will "share the remarkable stories of some of his fellow astronauts and explore the spectacular evolution of space travel".

He said: "Being able to tour the country where I can share just a small taste of what I experienced as an astronaut, reliving my own journey and sharing stories from those groundbreaking moments in space exploration, is absolutely fantastic.

"I hope the stories I share will give people a special insight into the magic of space and continue to inspire generations of future space explorers."

Astronauts: The Quest To Explore Space is coming to Guildford, Eastbourne, Tunbridge Wells and Worthing in September and October.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.