Astronauts
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. The term “astronaut” has been maintained as the title for those selected to join the NASA corps of astronauts who make “star sailing” their career profession.
Quick Facts
At the Space Station
![View of Nicole Mann is posing for photo with Josh Cassada (left) and Frank Rubio (right) both wearing their Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) during Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparation Activities in the Quest Airlock (A/L) during Expedition 68.](http://web.archive.org./web/20231015115148im_/https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/iss068e031344.jpg?w=640)
Management Astronauts
Currently employed at NASA but are no longer eligible for flight assignment.
Learn More about Management Astronauts![NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, left, NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy, and NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana, right, pose for a group photograph.](http://web.archive.org./web/20231015115148im_/https://images-assets.nasa.gov/image/NHQ202202280010/NHQ202202280010~large.jpg?w=1920&h=1280&fit=clip&crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint)
Former Astornauts
Astronauts are those who have left NASA, including those who are deceased.
Read More About Former Astronauts![Apollo 11 Crew conduct checks in the command module](http://web.archive.org./web/20231015115148im_/https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/apollo-11-crew-conduct-checks-in-the-command-module.jpg?w=640)
Astronaut Candidates
Selected by NASA as candidates for the NASA astronaut corps.
Learn More About Astronaut Candidates![2021 NASA Astronaut Candidates](http://web.archive.org./web/20231015115148im_/https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/jsc2021e062834_0.jpg?w=640)
Partner Astronauts
Astronauts from international space agencies who have trained or served with NASA Astronauts.
Learn More About Partner Astronauts![Astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti looks at the Earth through the cupola](http://web.archive.org./web/20231015115148im_/https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/iss068e006170.jpg?w=640)
Training for Artemis ii
Astronaut Appearance Request
The Astronaut Appearances Office in Houston, Texas coordinates and arranges astronaut appearances for astronauts who are actively employed by NASA.
NASA astronauts appear before a variety of groups to inform the public about the U.S. space program. Typically, presentations are made to high schools and universities, community organizations, businesses and associations, or military organizations.
Request Astronaut Appearance about Astronaut Appearance Request![NASA astronaut Kayla Barron high-fives a student dressed in a spacesuit costume during a visit to Amidon-Bowen Elementary School in Washington D.C.](http://web.archive.org./web/20231015115148im_/https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/nhq202212080016large.jpg?w=1536)
Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit.
History
Astronaut Selection
More than 12,000 people applied to be an astronaut between March 2 and March 31, 2020.
The astronaut selection committee is now in the process of reviewing those applications. NASA expects to announce its selections in mid-2021.
Learn More About Astronaut Selection about Astronaut Selection![Houston We Have a Podcast: Astronaut Episodes](http://web.archive.org./web/20231015115148im_/https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/jsc2020e000649_web.jpg?w=1536)