astronaut
noun (countable)
UK/ˈæs.trə.nɔːt/US/ˈæs.trə.nɑːt/
A person trained to travel and perform tasks in space.
Example Sentences
The astronaut prepared for the mission by undergoing rigorous training.
NASA selects highly skilled astronauts to participate in space exploration missions.
After years of training, she finally became a certified astronaut.
The astronaut conducted experiments aboard the International Space Station.
He dreamed of becoming an astronaut ever since he was a child.
Astronauts must maintain peak physical and mental condition to withstand the challenges of space travel.
The first woman to walk on the moon was a pioneering astronaut.
Astronauts often share their experiences to inspire the next generation of space enthusiasts.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A crew member who journeys beyond Earth’s atmosphere on scientific or exploratory missions.“Astronaut” describes someone—often extensively trained by a space agency—who travels into outer space. Their responsibilities can include operating spacecraft systems, conducting scientific experiments, and maintaining equipment. In the US, NASA typically selects astronaut candidates from backgrounds like engineering, science, medicine, or the military. After rigorous physical, mental, and technical training, astronauts may serve on the International Space Station or on missions exploring the Moon and potentially beyond. This role demands not just technical expertise but also the psychological resilience to endure confined environments, weightlessness, and potential emergencies. Historically seen as heroic figures, astronauts also collaborate across international lines to expand human knowledge of space.
Alternatives
Depending on the spacefaring tradition, terms like “cosmonaut” (Russia), “taikonaut” (China), or “vyomanaut” (India) might be used, each tied to its country’s linguistic roots. “Space traveler” is a broader, more generic term for anyone journeying beyond Earth’s atmosphere. “Payload specialist” can be used for non-career astronauts—often scientists or other experts—selected to carry out specific tasks in orbit. But “astronaut” remains the most recognized English label for professional crew members in spaceflight, primarily associated with agencies like NASA, ESA, or commercial space programs. In broader usage, it can casually apply to space tourists who are not fully career astronauts but still travel to low Earth orbit (LEO).
Writing
When referencing astronauts in formal or educational writing, outline their selection processes, training regimes, and the missions or agencies they belong to—e.g., “Astronauts spend years mastering zero-gravity procedures and emergency protocols before embarking on a mission.” In historical or biographical texts, highlight the personal and societal impact of famous astronauts—like Yuri Gagarin’s first orbit or Neil Armstrong’s first lunar step. Technical pieces might focus on an astronaut’s role during launch, docking, extravehicular activities (spacewalks), or research tasks in microgravity. By blending data about risk, international collaboration, and scientific breakthroughs, you convey why astronauts command significant cultural and exploratory importance.
Casual Conversation
In casual conversation, “astronaut” might pop up when kids dream of flying to Mars, or when discussing new space programs like SpaceX sending private citizens into orbit. People might say, “When I was little, I wanted to be an astronaut,” capturing that sense of adventure. It can also appear jokingly—like referring to someone’s improbable schedule or responsibilities: “He’s busy enough to be an astronaut.” Younger fans might own “astronaut helmets” as toys, or follow the social media of current astronauts who share photos from space. The word retains a sense of wonder, often echoing childlike excitement about venturing beyond Earth.
Etymology
“Astronaut” combines the Greek “astro-,” meaning “star,” and “nautes,” meaning “sailor”—thus “star sailor.” The term gained prominence in the mid-20th century, around the dawn of human spaceflight. While early ideas of space travel traced back to science fiction, real-life astronauts emerged with the Soviet and American space programs, forging new frontiers in orbital and lunar exploration. Over decades, “astronaut” became both a professional job title and a cultural icon, symbolizing humankind’s bold push into space and the boundary-defying spirit of scientific exploration.