Tim Peake has sent his first tweet from space, hours after becoming the first British astronaut on board the International Space Station.
“Hi from #ISS!” he posted, apparently using one of the various data connections on board the International Space Station. “What an incredible ride to space yesterday — Soyuz felt so smooth & powerful. Yuri did outstanding job getting us safely docked.”
The Soyuz is the Russian spacecraft that carried Major Peake and his colleagues up to the International Space Station during a six-hour flight. Yuri is Major Peake’s colleague, Yuri Malenchenko, who was also on board the Soyuz.
Major Peake set off in the Soyuz FG rocket at 11.03GMT, a day before the tweet was sent. The team arrived later that evening.
In a live link to family and friends viewing the drama on a cinema screen in a Baikonur theatre, he said of the journey: "It was a beautiful launch, that sunrise was absolutely spectacular. We also got the benefit of a moon rise which was beautiful to see.
"To Europe and the UK, I hope you enjoyed the show."
His wife Rebecca told him: "There were quite a few parties down on the ground, so your launch was well celebrated by everybody down here. Have a great mission. We love you."
During his time on the space station, Major Peake will be conducting dozens of scientific experiments and work in a strict routine.
But the International Space Station’s first Briton will get a bit of a break on Christmas Day, when he is hoping to speak with his family over a video link.
He and his fellow astronauts will also be able to tuck into their own festive meal after a Christmas pudding was sent to the space station in a supply delivery.
Additional reporting by agencies
