Peake's parents prepare for '˜family reunion' as he heads back to earth

Chichester-based Peake, 44, became the first Briton to join the crew of the International Space Station as a European Space Agency astronaut on December 15 last year.

On Saturday, he will make his way back to Earth with American colleague Colonel Tim Kopra and Russian cosmonaut Yuri Malenchenko.

Nigel Peake, Tim’s father, said: “We are very excited, it will be grand to see him after six months.

“I know we have seen him on the internet and on television, but it will be great to have him back in person and hear all his amazing stories.”

The three men will make the potentially hazardous trip crammed into the tiny Soyuz TMA descent capsule, and if all goes according to plan they will be touching down in Kazakhstan at 10.15am UK time.

“I think the main thing for when he is back is for him to have some quiet time with his wife and his two boys,” added Nigel.

“I know he has been overwhelmed with the support he has received, especially from West Sussex.”