Tim Peake reveals ‘messed up’ parts of life aboard International Space Station but says he would ‘return in a heartbeat’

ASTRONAUT Major Tim Peake revealed yesterday he would return to space “in a heartbeat” as he told of his “really exciting ride” back to Earth.

The Brit, 44, said he watched “sparks and flames” fly off the tiny Soyuz capsule as its outer layers burned up on its high-speed descent.

He felt as if he was “just falling back to the planet” while pinned in his seat by the g-force.

But he also revealed the heavy physical and psychological burden he endured during his heroic stay in space.

In his first press conference since landing, Major Tim opened up to share frank details of the amazing – and terrifying – experience of living aboard the International Space Station.

He revealed the effects the mission had on his body and mind, describing his dreams of Earth and the loneliness of being away from loved ones.

But Major Tim also shared his trick to keeping his feet on the ground whilst floating around in zero gravity, which will be instantly familiar to any British person.

“I got up, made tea, had a bacon sandwich and went to work,” he said.

“Life has to be normal or it doesn’t work.

“We humans normalise everything to be able to function.”

Tim went on to reveal the bizarre dreams which haunted him during the historic six month mission.

“At first I had dreams about being on earth, then mixed weird dreams towards the end, where I was back on Earth but floating around buildings,” he said,

“It was all a bit messed up.”

Tim’s now undergoing a barrage of tests to assess the physical impact of his six month space stay.

“I’ve already had two blood draws, a muscle biopsy, MRI scan, eye sight test and bone density exam.

“The first week back is really important to get a baseline data collection of how I am after six months in space and see how quickly the body recovers.”

This information is likely to be useful in any future journey to Mars, a mission Tim said would “absolutely” take place.

He said that getting to Mars would be incredibly difficult and dangerous for astronauts due to the radiation of outer space and the ravages of spending long periods in zero gravity.

But despite these risks, Tim said he believes “without a shadow of a doubt” that humanity’s destiny lies in exploring the solar system.

“We are at a stage where we understand what we’re doing are ready for the next step, which is a mission beyond the space station.”