THE spacecraft which transported Tim Peake to and from the International Space Station (ISS) will be landing in the North-East for the first time next week.

The Soyuz TMA-19M capsule which transported Mr Peake - the UK’s first European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut – will be on show at Locomotion at Shildon on Wednesday, November 22, until January 15.

Visitors have been given the once-in-a-lifetime chance to view the capsule after Samsung and the Science Museum Group joined forces to create a national tour of the capsule, complete with equipped interior and re-entry char marks on its outer body.

The capsule’s 25-metre diameter parachute will also be available as well as activities including the Space Descent virtual reality experience, narrated by Mr Peake himself.

The experience, which uses virtual reality headsets, will give visitors the chance to step in Mr Peake’s shoes to find out what it was like inside the capsule on its 250-mile journey back to Earth from the ISS.

Locomotion Museum Manager Gary Campbell said: “It’s hard to express how excited we are to be bringing Tim Peake’s Spacecraft to Locomotion.

“The capsule represents one of history’s most incredible technological feats, and this is an unmissable opportunity for visitors young and old from across the North-East to see the craft that took Tim Peake all the way to the International Space Station and back.

“We hope our residents and future visitors enjoy this unique experience and pay Soyuz a visit.”

The capsule carried Mr Peake and crewmates Yuri Malenchenko and Tim Kopra in ESA Expedition 46/47 to the ISS on December 15, 2015 and returning on June 18, 2016. It was acquired last year by the Science Museum Group.

Commenting on the acquisition, Mr Peake said: “You do become very attached to your spacecraft because it definitely does save your life.

“I’m absolutely delighted that my Soyuz spacecraft, the TMA-19M, is going to be returning here to the UK and may serve, hopefully, as inspiration for our next generation of scientists and engineers.”

Councillor Simon Henig, leader of Durham County Council, said: “It is a real privilege to have Soyuz on display here in County Durham.

“Tim Peake’s trip to the International Space Station captured the attention of the nation and I’m sure people will be equally fascinated to see his spacecraft up close."

“The chance to see Soyuz, coupled with the all of the other activities taking place, promises a fantastic experience for visitors to Locomotion.”

The museum will open at the later time of 1pm on November 22.

For more information call 01904-685780 or visit locomotion.org.uk/Soyuz