Tim,
I know that you will be feeling a bit nervous and excited. It is an adventure that not many people get to do.
You have done lots of training to get ready for Mission Prinicpia so you are ready for it.
In space you will see a sunset and sunrise 16 times every day. That’s one every 45 minutes. Your jobs that you do are very important so make sure you are relaxed in space. You need to try and get a good nights sleep which mean going to bed quite late and waking up at 6 o’clock in the morning. You shouldn’t use the sunrises and sunsets to set your routine even if they are very pretty.
You will probably miss your family, especially as you will be on the International Space Station over Christmas and your birthday but remember you can talk to them by using Skype, tablets and computers during your free time.
Make sure you exercise as you can’t walk at all while you are in space so you need to keep fit while you are there.
Hopefully the chef has made some of your favourite food and drink to take with you to keep you a bit happier while you are there.
We are looking forward to following your mission on the ISS, we know you will be great.
From Elsa