Australia’s favourite place for teaching resources and courses brings you another exciting resource for your classroom. As we journey through the vast expanse of space, it’s essential to remember the brave men and women who have ventured into the unknown, representing humanity’s quest for knowledge and exploration. Here, we introduce 20 world-famous astronauts from various space agencies who have left an indelible mark on space exploration.
Who are Space Astronauts?
The term “space astronauts” is a bit repetitive because astronauts are folks who’ve been trained to journey and operate in space. The word “astronaut” actually comes from the Greek terms “astron,” which means “star,” and “nautes,” which means “sailor.” So, an astronaut is essentially a “star sailor” or someone who sails or travels through space.
Astronauts are skilled experts who go through thorough training to get ready for space missions, which may involve tasks like conducting experiments, carrying out spacewalks, and operating spacecraft and space stations. They hail from various space agencies across the globe, including NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), CNSA (China National Space Administration), and other organizations.
Australia established its own national space agency, known as the “Australian Space Agency” (ASA), which was officially launched on the 1st of July 2018. The ASA’s primary goal is to enhance Australia’s space capabilities, encourage international cooperation, and promote the development of the Australian space industry. The agency has actively participated in a range of space-related activities, encompassing Earth observation, satellite technology, space science, and space exploration.
20 Famous Astronauts from various space agencies and countries
1. Yuri Gagarin (Soviet Union)
In 1961, Yuri Gagarin achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first person to journey into space. This Soviet cosmonaut had an impressive background as a military fighter pilot, making him a fitting choice for this historic occasion. At an altitude of 203 miles above our planet, he uttered the first words ever spoken by a human in space: “I see the Earth. It’s incredibly beautiful!”
2. Neil Armstrong (USA) – Famous Astronauts
Arguably the most renowned astronaut in history, Neil Armstrong made history by becoming the first person to set foot on the moon in 1969. In the course of the remarkable Apollo 11 mission, he delivered these iconic words: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
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While Neil Armstrong may have been the more well-known figure, Buzz Aldrin also had the opportunity to walk on the moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission. In comparison to his colleague, Aldrin participated in a greater number of NASA missions and accumulated nearly 300 hours in space!
4. John Glenn (USA)
In 1961, onboard Friendship 7, John Glenn completed three orbits around our planet in five hours, marking him as the first American to orbit the Earth. Only five years prior, he had also achieved the distinction of being the first person to cross America at supersonic speeds, capturing the world’s initial panoramic image of the United States.
5. Valentina Tereshkova (Soviet Union)
Chosen by the Russian Space Federation in 1963, Valentina Tereshkova made history as the first woman to journey into space, solidifying her status as one of Russia’s most celebrated astronauts. During her mission, she completed a remarkable 48 orbits around the Earth, maintaining a flight log and capturing photographs that contributed to future missions.
6. Alan Shepard (USA)
Alan Shepard, hailing from the United States, was among the initial seven astronauts handpicked for NASA’s Mercury program, famously known as the “Mercury Seven.” He achieved the remarkable milestone of being the first American to journey into space on May 5, 1961, when he helmed the Freedom 7 spacecraft on a suborbital mission. This momentous feat catapulted him to the status of a national hero.
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7. Chris Hadfield (Canada)
Chris Hadfield, one of the most renowned astronauts from Canada, is celebrated for his accomplished space missions and an impressive following on social media. Throughout his highly successful career, he has earned the title of Top Test Pilot from both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force. He has completed three space missions, conducted two spacewalks (known as extravehicular activities or EVAs), played a pivotal role in the construction of two space stations, and assumed command of the International Space Station.
8. Mae Jemison (USA)
Before joining NASA and achieving widespread fame as one of the most renowned astronauts, Mae Jemison served as a doctor in the Peace Corps. In 1992, she made history by becoming the first Black woman in space. Aboard the Endeavor, she completed 127 orbits around Earth in just eight days. Following her retirement from the space program, Jemison immersed herself in research, authored children’s books, and even made an appearance on an episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
9. Peggy Whitson (USA)
Peggy Whitson, hailing from the United States, is a widely respected astronaut recognized for her outstanding contributions to space exploration. She boasts the record for the longest total time spent in space by an American astronaut. Whitson has taken part in several space missions, with the distinction of commanding the International Space Station (ISS). Her work in space has played a pivotal role in enhancing our comprehension of extended space travel and its impacts on the human body.
10. Gherman Titov (Soviet Union)
Gherman Titov, a cosmonaut from the Soviet Union, gained fame for being the youngest person to journey into space. He accomplished this historic feat at the age of 25 when he circled the Earth on August 6, 1961, while aboard the Vostok 2 spacecraft. This achievement established him as the youngest individual to venture into space, and his mission played a significant role in the early days of human space exploration.
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11. Eileen Collins (USA)
Eileen Collins, an astronaut from the United States, is a well-known figure who accomplished notable milestones in her career. She gained fame as the first female Space Shuttle pilot and commander. Collins was a pioneer in the realm of space exploration, shattering barriers for women in the astronaut program and making significant contributions to the success of numerous Space Shuttle missions. Her achievements have served as an inspiration to many and have had a lasting influence on the history of space exploration.
12. Alan Bean (USA) – Famous Astronauts
Alan Bean, from the United States, was a celebrated astronaut and had the distinction of being the fourth person to step onto the Moon’s surface. He was an integral part of NASA’s Apollo program and played a vital role in the Apollo 12 mission in 1969. Following his career as an astronaut, Bean transitioned into the realm of art and achieved distinction as an artist. His paintings vividly depicted his adventures on the Moon and in outer space, creating a one-of-a-kind fusion of art and space exploration that left an enduring legacy.
13. Kalpana Chawla (USA)
Hailing from India, Kalpana Chawla relocated to the United States in 1982 to pursue her graduate studies. After acquiring U.S. citizenship in 1991, she applied to join NASA’s astronaut corps, ultimately becoming the first individual of Indian heritage to journey into space on the Columbia shuttle in 1997. Sadly, during her second mission, she and her six fellow crew members met with a tragic accident when the Columbia disintegrated during reentry in 2003.
14. Alexei Leonov (Soviet Union)
Alexei Leonov, a cosmonaut from the Soviet Union, is well-known for being the first person to perform a spacewalk. This historic event took place on March 18, 1965, when he ventured out of the Voskhod 2 spacecraft, marking the initial instance of a human floating in the void of space. His groundbreaking spacewalk was a noteworthy achievement during the early stages of human space exploration.
15. Sally Ride (USA)
Sally Ride, an astronaut from the United States, was a trailblazer and the first American woman to venture into space. Her historic journey took place on June 18, 1983, during the Space Shuttle Challenger mission STS-7, when she orbited the Earth. Ride’s achievements served as a source of inspiration for many and played a significant role in promoting gender equality in the realm of space exploration.
16. Wally Schirra (USA)
Wally Schirra, an astronaut from the United States, was among the initial group of Mercury Seven astronauts. He had the remarkable achievement of being the sole individual to have flown in all three of NASA’s early space programs: Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo. Schirra’s substantial contributions to the space program were of great significance, and his extensive expertise played a vital role in advancing American space exploration.
17. Jim Lovell (USA)
Jim Lovell, an astronaut from the United States, is a highly regarded figure known for his command of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission. He achieved global recognition for his exceptional leadership during a pivotal moment in the mission when the spacecraft faced a life-threatening technical problem. Lovell’s proficiency and poise played a crucial role in the safe return of the Apollo 13 crew to Earth, and his contributions to space exploration had a lasting influence.
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18. Sunita Williams (USA) – Famous Astronauts
Sunita Williams, an astronaut from the United States, is a highly respected figure celebrated for her impressive achievements in space exploration. She holds the record for the lengthiest solo spaceflight by a woman, having spent an extended duration aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Williams has made significant contributions to multiple missions, undertaken spacewalks, and played a crucial part in enhancing our comprehension of extended space travel and its impact on the human body.
19. Scott Kelly (USA)
Scott Kelly, an astronaut from the United States, is a widely celebrated figure recognized for his involvement in lengthy space missions. His noteworthy achievement includes a year-long stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which played a pivotal role in investigating the impacts of extended space travel on the human body. Kelly’s commitment to expanding our understanding of space and his substantial contributions to the field have been defining features of his career in space exploration.
20. Yang Liwei (China)
Yang Liwei, an astronaut from China, is a prominent figure who achieved the distinction of being the first Chinese person to journey into space. This historic milestone was accomplished on October 15, 2003, when he commanded the Shenzhou 5 spacecraft. Yang Liwei’s mission was a significant achievement in China’s space program, solidifying the country’s increasing role in space exploration.
Final Thought On Famous Astronauts in the World
Astronauts from various countries have played pivotal roles in advancing our understanding of space and contributing to the exploration of the cosmos. These individuals, whether from the United States, the Soviet Union, China, or other nations, have achieved remarkable feats in the realm of space exploration. Their dedication and pioneering spirit have left an enduring impact on science, technology, and humanity’s journey beyond Earth. As space exploration continues to evolve, these astronauts’ contributions serve as a testament to the enduring human desire to explore the unknown and expand the boundaries of our knowledge.
Source: Wikipedia
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