A former military helicopter pilot is to become the first UK astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS).

Major Tim Peake will live and work on the space station for six months. He will carry out a science programme and take part in a European education initiative before and during his mission.

He is one of six astronauts selected from more than 8,000 hopefuls. The flight is expected to take place in November 2015.

Major Peake , 41, has undergone 14 months of rigorous training, which has included survival courses and exercises under water and underground.

The former British Army Air Corps helicopter pilot, who graduated as an astronaut three years ago, will be the first UK astronaut in space for more than 20 years.

Speaking after his selection, Major Peake said: "I applied to become an astronaut with the European Space Agency because I believe for me it's a unique opportunity in my life to become part of a team that can have such a positive impact on society.

"I believe humankind faces some enormous challenges this century, and the space arena is going to be fundamental in overcoming some of those challenges."

It is hoped Major Peake, who tweets with the handle @astro--timpeake , could even match the popularity of David Bowie fan, Commander Chris Hadfield.

Astronaut Ends Space Mission With Bowie Classic

Cdr Hadfield, from Canada, was his country's first professional astronaut, but gained a legion of fans on the Soyuz space capsule mission to and from the ISS,by performing a cover of the Bowie classic, Space Oddity.

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UK Astronaut Tim Peake To Visit Space Station