An astronaut (from the Ancient Greek ἄστρον (astron), meaning 'star', and ναύτης (nautes), meaning 'sailor') is a person trained, equipped, and deployed by a human spaceflight program to serve as a …

Jan 14, 2026 · The term “astronaut” derives from the Greek words meaning “star sailor,” and refers to all who have been launched as crew members aboard NASA spacecraft bound for orbit and beyond.

6 days ago · Four astronauts are blazing NASA's trail back to the moon. Their mission, which could launch Feb. 8, will take them farther from Earth than humanity has ever gone before.

Jan 19, 2026 · astronaut, designation, derived from the Greek words for “star” and “sailor,” commonly applied to an individual who has flown in outer space. More specifically, in the West, astronaut refers …

Astronaut Mike Fincke has now accumulated 549 days in space - meaning that among Nasa astronauts, he has spent the fourth most cumulative days in space, according to the agency.

Apr 25, 2025 · Some brave explorers travel across oceans; others blast off into space. This list of famous astronauts celebrates the pioneers of space exploration — those who took "one giant leap" …

Jan 15, 2026 · Two Americans and astronauts from Japan and Russia landed in a SpaceX capsule in the Pacific Ocean after a medical issue prompted NASA to move up their return to Earth.

3 days ago · SpaceX has temporarily grounded its Falcon 9 rocket after an upper stage failed to deorbit as planned during a Feb. 2 launch. Will the issue affect the company's Crew-12 astronaut mission?

NASA applies the term astronaut to any crew member aboard NASA spacecraft bound for Earth orbit or beyond. NASA also uses the term as a title for those selected to join its Astronaut Corps.

Jan 30, 2026 · Training is underway for NASA’s newest class of astronaut candidates at the Johnson Space Center in Texas. The nearly two-year long process began this past September for the four …