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Astronauts and Cosmonauts

Astronauts and cosmonauts are trained personnel who travel in space. “Astronaut” refers to an American or western European space traveler and “cosmonaut” refers to a Soviet or Russian space traveler. China calls its space travelers “taikonauts.”

Featured Images

collage of images of Alexei Leonov

Fallen Spacewalker October 13, 2019
Buzz Aldrin poses with the American flag on the Moon, July 20, 1969

A Priceless Moment July 21, 2019
Melotte 111 star cluster from international space station

Counting Stars May 10, 2018
The crew of Apollo 1

Fallen Astronauts January 27, 2017
Apollo 17 commander Eugene Cernan poses on the Moon in 1972

Last Walk January 16, 2017
John Glenn, astronaut

Departed Hero December 9, 2016

Stepping Out June 3, 2015
Apollo 17 astronaut Gene Cernan drives his lunar rover

End of the Road December 10, 2012
Neil Armstrong aboard the lunar module Eagle, July 21, 1969

Leading the Way August 26, 2012
John Glenn enters his Mercury capsule (right), and launches on February 20, 1962

Up, Up, and Away! February 20, 2012
Atlantis launches on the final space shuttle mission, July 8, 2011

Last Call July 8, 2011
Alan Shepard enters his capsule, then launches aboard Freedom 7, May 5, 1961

A-OK Flight May 5, 2011
Apollo 14 commander Alan Shepard poses with the American flag on the Moon

Long Journey February 6, 2011
MIT professor Dava Newman models a new type of space suit

Dressed for Success (in Space) September 15, 2010

Radio Programs

One Giant Leap One priceless moment on the Moon July 21, 2019

Soyuz 1 A tragedy for the Soviet space program April 24, 2017

Space Heading into space — wherever it may be January 5, 2017

Seas and Caves Exploring exotic worlds on Earth October 12, 2016