Definition:
An astronaut is an individual trained by a space agency to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft. While astronauts are often associated with American space missions, the term is universally used to describe space explorers from various countries engaged in exploring outer space, conducting scientific research, and participating in space station operations.
Etymology & Origin:
The term “astronaut” derives from the Greek words “astron,” meaning “star,” and “nautes,” which means “sailor.” Hence, “astronaut” translates to “sailor among the stars.” This term was adopted in the late 1950s and early 1960s during the inception of the American space program to describe participants in space exploration.
Examples:
- Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon.
- Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space.
- Chris Hadfield, a Canadian astronaut known for his social media presence and musical performances aboard the International Space Station.
