Astronauts: The Quest to Explore Space will be coming to The Anvil on September 12, where the history of human space exploration will be given new life by Tim Peake.
Tim became the first British astronaut to visit the International Space Station in 2015, and the show follows his My Journey To Space in 2021-2023 tour, where he explored his own journey.
He said: "My previous tour was very much my own personal story. But there are around 650 people who have been into space - and this tour allows me to share some of their many amazing stories of human spaceflight. Looking back at the amazing endeavours through the years to create this show has been incredible.
"I am so honoured to have experienced the wonders of space travel myself, and yet it still continues to amaze me just how much space inspires and fascinates people of all ages - and the show's Q&A section proves that every single night. I love that part, but it's also slightly terrifying as you never know what people are going to ask."
Astronaut Tim Peake (Image: Rhodes Media) He announced his retirement from the European Space Agency in 2023 and his now doing charity and outreach work, as well as looking at a potential return to the International Space Station as part of a commercially sponsored UK mission with Axiom Space.
Tim said: "I'm an ambassador for The King's Trust, Scouts, STEM Learning and Great Ormond Street Hospital, as causes very close to my heart, and I also work as an ambassador for the UK Space Agency and ESA for certain activities and events. I've recently also become an ambassador for King Charles's Astra Carta initiative, looking at how we can use space sustainably and responsibly, so that we can all benefit from the opportunities space has to offer whilst protecting it for future generations.
"Realistically, with a career like this you don't ever completely retire. Would I like to go back to the ISS if there was a chance with Axiom? Absolutely. I am also delighted that we are looking to get more British astronauts their wings. There are huge opportunities in the rapidly growing space sector, and it's important that the UK is properly represented. It's an amazing opportunity and gives security to the future of human spaceflight for the UK, to be part of missions going forwards."
Tim's excitement and passion around all things space include the scientific advancements that are being made there as space is becoming 'a manufacturing hub.'
He said: "There are things you can build in space which can't be built on earth, because of the effects of gravity, and with costs coming down we can also think about large scale manufacturing in space. There are attempts to grow human tissue and organs such as a heart on Earth, using bio ink and 3D printers. The problem is that small structures collapse due to gravity and need some sort of scaffolding. It's not very effective. But in space, you can 3D print human organs more easily, because there is no gravity causing them to collapse in on themselves.
"It sounds like the wildest science fiction, but it really is science fact and it's where we are at right now. Five to 10 years and we could be printing full-size human organs in space that could be a feasible transplant option for patients. And that's when space research starts to mean something very real for people on Earth."
Despite the history he has made, Tim feels his legacy is inspiring young people, especially as some of the scientists and engineers in the field now are teenagers who were influenced by his 2015 mission.
He said: "The legacy I'm most proud of from my mission is without doubt the inspiration for future generations. When I go to schools and colleges, it's amazing to see older students saying 'I remember watching you launch and you inspired me to go off and follow these subjects'.
"It's a huge privilege to have a platform that allows you to inspire people. Space is a place where we can all wonder and dream."