Astronaut News

An astronaut is a person trained to command, pilot, or serve as a crew member of a spacecraft. While originally referring only to individuals traveling into space from the United States, the term has come to be used internationally for all space travelers, regardless of their country of origin. Astronauts undertake a variety of missions, from conducting scientific research in orbit to participating in long-duration missions on the International Space Station (ISS). Their training is extensive and multifaceted, covering aspects such as extravehicular activity (commonly known as spacewalks), operational tasks in microgravity, and emergency preparedness. Modern astronauts often come from diverse backgrounds including science, engineering, and the military. They play a crucial role in expanding human knowledge of space, conducting experiments that benefit life on Earth, and preparing for future missions possibly further into the solar system.