News

Tim Peake to publish definitive guide to life in space with Penguin Random House

Tim Peake

Penguin Random House are delighted to announce the publication of British ESA astronaut Tim Peake’s second book, Ask an Astronaut, to be published on 19th October 2017 in hardback and ebook. The book follows on from the record-breaking publication of Hello is this planet Earth?, a Sunday Times Number One Bestseller with sales of 250,000 copies in six weeks, and the fastest selling popular science book since records began.

Ask an Astronaut is Tim’s personal guide to life in space, based on the thousands of questions he has been asked since his return to Earth.

Accessible, in-depth, and written with his characteristic warmth, Tim shares his thoughts on every aspect of his mission. From training to launch, from his historic spacewalk to re-entry, he reveals for readers of all ages the cutting-edge science behind his ground-breaking experiments, and the wonders of day-to-day life on board the International Space Station.

The public is invited to submit new questions using the hashtag #askanastronaut, and a selection will be answered by Tim in the book, which will be accompanied with illustrations, diagrams and never-before-seen photos.

Tim is pleased to announce that, as with his previous book, royalties received from the book will be donated to The Prince’s Trust.

Ben Brusey, Deputy Publisher of Century, an imprint of Penguin Random House, has acquired world rights from Tim Peake and ESA. This was organised through Rosita Suenson, Human Spaceflight Communication Programme Officer at ESA.

Tim Peake said: ‘Since returning from the International Space Station, I've been amazed by the warm response from thousands of people wishing to know more about my mission and what it takes to become an astronaut. I'm delighted to be able to share my experiences in Ask An Astronaut and to give a unique insight into what life in space is really like.’

Ben Brusey said: ‘We are thrilled to be working with Tim and ESA again on such a special book. Tim writes beautifully and with the same sense of wonder that inspired millions during his mission. Every page is a bounty of surprises and anecdotes, and I can’t wait for readers to be enthralled by the book like I have been.’

Rosita Suenson said: ‘Every astronaut’s mission always comes with so many wonderful questions from the public. Now this book allows anyone to ask a question and get a glimpse of life on board the International Space Station for themselves.’

Tim Peake is a European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut. He finished his 186-day Principia mission working on the International Space Station for Expedition 46/47 when he landed back on Earth on 18 June 2016.

During his mission, Tim conducted numerous ground-breaking science experiments and engaged the British public in ingenious ways. Tim became the first British astronaut to complete a spacewalk and the first person to run the London marathon in space. He spoke to hundreds of thousands of school children back on Earth via events such as the Cosmic Classroom live from the ISS, engaging over 1 million children during the whole mission. He was also involved in other memorable events, such as presenting the BRIT Awards live from space in a dinner jacket. 24 million people watched Tim blast off and over 2 million fans continue to follow his updates across social media. In the Queen’s Birthday Honours, Tim was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, an award given to those who have given distinguished service overseas, or, in Tim’s case, in space.

Tim attended Chichester High School for Boys. During this time he was also a member of the combined cadet force before joining the Army as an Army Air Corps Officer. He has over 3000 flying hours and has flown more than 30 different types of helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft.

Tim is married with two sons. Among his leisure activities he enjoys skiing, scuba diving, cross-country running, climbing, mountaineering and he completed the London Marathon in 2006. His interests include quantum physics and aviation. Tim is an ambassador for UK science and space-based careers and is working with the UK Space Agency in developing the UK’s microgravity research programme. He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society and a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. Tim is also an ambassador for the Prince’s Trust.

Press Enquiries

For more information on this story please get in touch via our media contacts.

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more