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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

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

Breaking Ground A “seagull” takes flight June 15, 2013

Faith 7 The end of a space-age singles act May 15, 2013

Friendship 7 Getting back in the Space Race February 19, 2012

Freedom 7 A brief hop into the history books May 4, 2011

Moon and Jupiter A delayed trip to the Moon February 5, 2011