The European Space Agency (Esa) is expected to name four new astronauts on Wednesday.
The recruits were selected from more than 8,000 applications and have been described as young and extremely capable individuals.
The astronauts will train to work on the International Space Station (ISS) and, depending on future developments, may even get to go to the Moon.
More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8057633.stm
Timothy Peake, a 37-year-old test pilot in the Army Air Corps, has been accepted into the European Space Agency's (Esa) Astronaut Corps.
The spaceman, who hails from Chichester, was unveiled at a ceremony in Paris, along with five other new colleagues from across Europe.
The other recruits to emerge from Esa's latest trawl for new candidates include a woman astronaut.
More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8058601.stm
It was a stunning announcement: Major Tim. British astronaut. His impact is going to be immense as an icon for science and technology.
No longer do the British media have to claim UK-born US citizens flying with Nasa as their own. They now have the real thing.
More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8060658.stm
The UK astronaut candidate Tim Peake will definitely get into orbit, says space agency boss Jean-Jacques Dordain.
"Major Tim" was selected last month to join Europe's astronaut corps, but launch places will soon reduce with the retirement of the space shuttle.
More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8104308.stm
"I've read so much and heard so much about this place, and to come here and see it is absolutely fantastic. There's just so much history here."
Tim Peake is gazing across pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center. The Discovery shuttle is sat atop its concrete hardstand ready to blast off to the International Space Station (ISS).
The new British astronaut candidate is revelling in the experience. He's about to start his training and what better way to get a feel for the life that lies ahead than a visit to the famous Florida spaceport?
"It's a great treat for us to be here, to be actually able to touch the dream so close to our training," reflects fellow astronaut rookie, the Italian Samantha Cristoforetti.
Peake and Cristoforetti were accepted into the European Astronaut Corps in May along with Frenchman Thomas Pesquet, Germany's Alexander Gerst, Denmark's Andreas Mogensen; and another Italian, Luca Parmitano.
They are the first such intake at the European Space Agency (Esa) since 1992 and "school" starts in just a few days.
More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8213004.stm