Watch as Tim Peake became the first Briton to walk in space

At approximately 12:55pm GMT today, Major Tim Peake will make history as he becomes the first Briton to walk in space.

Peake, along with NASA’s Tim Kopra, will exit the International Space Station (ISS) to do some repair work on a broken power unit on the station’s exterior.

The task should take them six-and-a-half hours, during which there will be no food or toilet breaks. After exiting, they will have to venture 50 meters to the edge of the station, which is roughly the same as an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Prior to the spacewalk, both astronauts are spending two hours breathing pure oxygen, which rids their bodies of nitrogen to help avoid decompression sickness from the rapid changes in pressure.

.@astro_timpeake & @astro_tim are suited up and prebreathing for their #spacewalk. #blog: https://t.co/ixDtKByl2c pic.twitter.com/eLlD793orV

— ESA Operations (@esaoperations) January 15, 2016

Peake published a blog post outlining his feelings about the mission last night, saying he is feeling “exhilarated” but will “have no time to dwell on these emotions.”

Popping outside for a walk tomorrow. Exhilarated – but no time to dwell on emotions. #spacewalk #Principia #blog https://t.co/N0hHr4bQZL

— Tim Peake (@astro_timpeake) January 14, 2016

The post outlines the level of training and preparation that has gone into this mission. Both Peake and Kopra have been preparing the tools for the last few weeks on board the ISS, as well as going over the timeline for today, which is almost 40 pages long.

That’s not to mention the years of training they both did before leaving earth for the ISS last month.

Up until Peake’s selection by the European Space Agency in 2009, the British government had not funded human space flight. Today marks an important day for the country’s investment in exploration and inspiring future generations of astronauts.

Good luck to @astro_timpeake on today's space walk. The country will be watching you make history #spacewalk

— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) January 15, 2016

Whilst on board the ISS, Major Peake is undertaking an educational mission as well. Called Principia, he will carry out a number of science experiments to be included in the curriculum of UK schools for children aged 11-19.

Update (17:31 GMT):

The spacewalk was terminated early by the lead Flight Director and both astronauts are now safely back onboard the ISS.

As a precaution, #spacewalk terminated due to small amount of water in @Astro_Tim's helmet. https://t.co/KX5g7zfYQe https://t.co/6sRiiiLFPo

— NASA (@NASA) January 15, 2016

The cause for concern was a small amount of water and feeling of dampness in Peake’s helmet but the European Space Agency has assured that neither astronaut were in any danger and that the major tasks were completed.

Today's #spacewalk has ended early. The crew was never in any danger. Listen to the NASA TV commentator for details. https://t.co/TomSPQvunr

— NASA (@NASA) January 15, 2016

Both Tims are now in the safety of the ISS and out of their space suits.

Now it is @astro_timpeake's turn to get out of his #spacewalk suit pic.twitter.com/fKqAzXwlQ2

— ESA Operations (@esaoperations) January 15, 2016

➤ Heading Outside [European Space Agency]