Tim Peake will take his first steps outside the International Space Station this afternoon to replace a faulty component on its exterior. And he's making history as he does it.

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Why? Because he'll be the first "official" British astronaut to embark upon such a walk. Brit Michael Foale stepped outside the station back in 1995 but he was there under a US banner with Nasa.

Major Peake's extra-vehicular activity (EVA) – that's the official term for his spacewalk – will be undertaken with Nasa astronaut Tim Kopra.

When will it take place?

The spacewalk begins at 12:55 GMT and will take six-and-a-half-hours.

How can I watch it?

Right here. The video will start broadcasting live via NASA from 11:30 GMT. You can also follow updates on Twitter @esaoperations.

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Speaking about his first external walk, Peake told BBC's Stargazing Live: "I think a spacewalk is absolutely the pinnacle of an astronaut's career.

"We've put a huge amount of effort into this spacewalk. It's hugely exciting and we're ready to go."

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Peake and Kopra will travel 50m to the edge of the space station in order to make the repair and will be attached to the structure with a steel cord.

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