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.

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 …

4 days ago · Astronaut Suni Williams left NASA late last month after 27 years of service. She spent a total of 608 days in space, more than all but one other American astronaut.

NASA astronaut Suni Williams, who famously stayed in space for an extended nine-month visit after problems with an experimental capsule, has retired after 27 years, NASA said Tuesday.

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" …

3 days ago · NASA astronaut Suni Williams has retired after 27 years of service and a career defined by endurance, leadership, and firsts in space. She spent 608 days in orbit, completed nine spacewalks, …

5 days ago · As the oldest astronaut Buzz Aldrin turns 96, the astronauts of Artemis II wish him happy birthday and talk about their Apollo inspirations.

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.

4 days ago · Suni Williams, an astronaut, is interviewed at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, on 31 March 2025. Photograph: Ashley Landis/AP