Former UK astronaut and TKAT pupil Tim Peake describes influence of Chichester High School

Former UK astronaut and TKAT pupil Tim Peake has been describing how his childhood inspired him to travel into 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."

Mr Peake said he was inspired by his school physics teacher Mike Gouldstone at TKAT's Chichester High School..

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."

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.