Famous astronauts have inspired millions of people by pushing the boundaries of human exploration beyond Earth.
These brave men and women risk their lives to advance our understanding of space and pave the way for future generations.
From the first person to walk on the Moon to the astronauts currently living on the International Space Station, these space heroes have made incredible contributions to science and exploration.
Their amazing stories continue to motivate young people to pursue careers in science, technology, and space exploration.
Who are Space Astronauts?
Space astronauts are specially trained individuals who travel beyond Earth’s atmosphere to conduct research, perform experiments, and push the boundaries of human exploration.
These remarkable people undergo years of intensive training to learn how to operate spacecraft, conduct scientific experiments, and survive in the harsh environment of space.
Famous astronauts come from many different backgrounds, including military pilots, scientists, engineers, and doctors, who all share a passion for exploration and discovery.
The selection process for becoming an astronaut is extremely competitive, with thousands of applicants competing for just a few spots in each astronaut class.
Most Famous Astronauts in Space History
The following are the most famous astronauts in space history who pushed boundaries, inspired generations, and changed humanity’s path beyond Earth into the cosmos.
1. Neil Armstrong
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org
Neil Armstrong became the first human to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, making him one of the most famous astronauts in history.
Armstrong’s famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind,” were heard by millions of people around the world.
- Life and Legacy: Born August 5, 1930 – Died August 25, 2012 (Age 82).
- Life Achievements: First person on the Moon, Navy pilot, aerospace engineer, university professor.
2. Buzz Aldrin
Image Source: Wikipedia
Buzz Aldrin was the second person to walk on the Moon, spending over 21 hours on the lunar surface with Neil Armstrong during the historic Apollo 11 mission.
He helped develop spacewalking techniques and remains an advocate for space exploration and Mars missions today.
- Life and Legacy: Born January 20, 1930 – Still alive
- Life Achievements: Second person on the Moon, Air Force pilot, developed spacewalk procedures, space advocate.
3. John Glenn
Image Source: NASA
John Glenn was the first American to orbit Earth in 1962, making him a national hero and one of the most famous astronauts of the early space program.
He later became the oldest person to fly in space at age 77 aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery in 1998.
- Life and Legacy: Born July 18, 1921 – Died December 8, 2016 (Age 95).
- Life Achievements: First American to orbit Earth, Marine pilot, U.S. Senator, and the oldest person in space.
4. Yuri Gagarin
Image Source: CNN
Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space on April 12, 1961, completing one orbit around Earth in his Vostok 1 spacecraft in just 108 minutes.
Gagarin’s successful mission gave the Soviet Union a major victory in the Space Race and shocked the United States into accelerating its own space program.
- Life and Legacy: Born March 9, 1934 – Died March 27, 1968 (Age 34).
- Life Achievements: First human in space, Soviet Air Force pilot, international space hero, and inspired space exploration.
5. Sally Ride
Image Source: Wikipedia
Sally Ride broke barriers as the first American woman in space when she flew aboard Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983, opening doors for female astronauts worldwide.
Her calm professionalism during her two shuttle flights proved that women could handle the demands of spaceflight just as well as their male colleagues.
- Life and Legacy: Born May 26, 1951 – Died July 23, 2012 (Age 61).
- Life Achievements: First American woman in space, physicist, science educator, advocate for women in STEM.
6. Alan Shepard
Image Source: NASA
Alan Shepard was the first American in space, making a 15-minute suborbital flight in 1961 that proved Americans could compete with the Soviet space program.
He later commanded Apollo 14 and famously hit golf balls on the Moon’s surface, showing his sense of humor even in space.
- Life and Legacy: Born November 18, 1923 – Died July 21, 1998 (Age 74).
- Life Achievements: First American in space, Moon walker, Navy test pilot, played golf on the Moon.
7. Valentina Tereshkova
Image Source: Britannica
Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space when she orbited Earth 48 times in 1963 aboard Vostok 6, spending almost three days in space alone.
Tereshkova was selected from over 400 candidates, and her background as a textile worker and amateur parachutist prepared her for the rigors of spaceflight.
- Life and Legacy: Born March 6, 1937 – Still alive (Age 87).
- Life Achievements: First woman in space, textile worker turned cosmonaut, politician, women’s rights advocate.
8. Jim Lovell
Image Source: BBC
Jim Lovell commanded the famous Apollo 13 mission that suffered a life-threatening explosion on the way to the Moon in 1970.
Lovell had previously flown on Apollo 8, the first mission to orbit the Moon, giving him valuable experience for the crisis that would define his career.
- Life and Legacy: Born March 25, 1928 – Still alive (Age 96).
- Life Achievements: Apollo 13 commander, four space flights, Navy pilot, space rescue hero.
9. Mae Jemison
Image Source: Wikipedia
Mae Jemison became the first African American woman in space when she flew on Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992, inspiring countless young people around the world.
As a doctor, engineer, and astronaut, she has dedicated her life to encouraging young people to pursue careers in science and space exploration.
- Life and Legacy: Born October 17, 1956 – Still alive (Age 68).
- Life Achievements: First African American woman in space, doctor, engineer, science advocate, dancer.
10. Chris Hadfield
Image Source: BBC
Chris Hadfield became famous worldwide for his social media posts from the International Space Station, including his viral video of singing “Space Oddity” in zero gravity.
Hadfield’s background as a Canadian Air Force pilot and test pilot prepared him for three spaceflights, including commanding the International Space Station.
- Life and Legacy: Born August 29, 1959 – Still alive (Age 65).
- Life Achievements: Canadian astronaut, ISS commander, social media pioneer, author, and musician in space.
11. Gus Grissom
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org
Gus Grissom was one of the original Mercury Seven astronauts and the first person to fly in space twice during the early days of NASA.
Tragically, he died in the Apollo 1 fire in 1967, but his contributions to early space exploration were crucial for later successes.
- Life and Legacy: Born April 3, 1926 – Died January 27, 1967 (Age 40).
- Life Achievements: Mercury and Gemini missions, test pilot, Apollo program pioneer, space exploration martyr.
12. Peggy Whitson
Image Source: NASA
Peggy Whitson holds the record for the most time in space by any American astronaut, spending 695 days in orbit across multiple missions to the International Space Station.
Whitson’s background as a biochemist made her uniquely qualified to conduct the complex scientific experiments that are the primary purpose of the space station.
- Life and Legacy: Born February 9, 1960 – Still alive (Age 64)
- Life Achievements: Most time in space by an American, ISS commander, biochemist, first woman to command ISS twice.
13. Scott Kelly
Image Source: ABC13
Scott Kelly spent a year aboard the International Space Station to help scientists study the effects of long-term spaceflight on the human body for future missions.
Kelly’s year in space included conducting hundreds of scientific experiments, maintaining the space station, and documenting his experiences for the public through social media and photography.
- Life and Legacy: Born February 21, 1964 – Still alive (Age 60).
- Life Achievements: One-year ISS mission, twin study participant, Navy pilot, author, Mars research contributor.
14. Michael Collins
Image Source: NBC News
Michael Collins was the command module pilot for Apollo 11, who stayed in orbit around the Moon while Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the surface below.
Known as the “loneliest man in the universe,” he played a crucial role in the historic mission by ensuring his crewmates could safely return from the lunar surface.
- Life and Legacy: Born October 31, 1930 – Died April 28, 2021 (Age 90).
- Life Achievements: Apollo 11 pilot, Air Force test pilot, Smithsonian director, space historian.
15. Eileen Collins
Image Source: Britannica
Eileen Collins became the first woman to pilot and later command a Space Shuttle, breaking important barriers for women in aviation and space exploration.
Collins’ background as an Air Force test pilot and math teacher prepared her for the complex challenges of flying the world’s most sophisticated spacecraft.
- Life and Legacy: Born November 19, 1956 – Still alive (Age 67).
- Life Achievements: First woman shuttle pilot and commander, Air Force pilot, test pilot, and aviation pioneer.
16. Tim Peake
Image Source: BBC
Tim Peake was the first ESA British astronaut to visit the International Space Station, spending six months in orbit in 2015-2016 conducting experiments and maintenance work.
He has worked to inspire young people in the UK and Europe to pursue careers in science and space exploration through educational programs.
- Life and Legacy: Born April 7, 1972 – Still alive (Age 52).
- Life Achievements: First British ISS astronaut, Army pilot, test pilot, UK space program ambassador.
17. Samantha Cristoforetti
Image Source: NASA
Samantha Cristoforetti held the record temporarily in 2015 for the longest single spaceflight by a woman, spending 199 days aboard the International Space Station conducting scientific research.
Cristoforetti’s background as an Italian Air Force pilot and engineer prepared her for the complex technical challenges of living and working in space for extended periods.
- Life and Legacy: Born April 26, 1977 – Still alive (Age 47).
- Life Achievements: Longest woman’s spaceflight, Italian Air Force pilot, engineer, ESA astronaut, social media pioneer.
18. Alexander Gerst
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org
Alexander Gerst is a German astronaut who has commanded the International Space Station and conducted numerous scientific experiments during his two long-duration missions in space.
Gerst’s background as a geophysicist and volcanologist gives him unique insights into Earth systems.
- Life and Legacy: Born May 3, 1976 – Still alive (Age 48).
- Life Achievements: German astronaut, ISS commander, geophysicist, science communicator, environmental advocate.
19. Sunita Williams
Image Source: NBC News
Sunita Williams held the record for longest spaceflight by a woman before Peggy Whitson broke it, spending 195 days in space during her first long-duration mission.
Williams’ background as a Navy helicopter pilot and test pilot prepared her for the challenges of spaceflight and the complex operations required during spacewalks outside the station.
- Life and Legacy: Born September 19, 1965 – Still alive (Age 59).
- Life Achievements: Long-duration spaceflight, seven spacewalks, Navy pilot, commercial crew test pilot.
20. Mark Kelly
Image Source: CNN
Mark Kelly flew four Space Shuttle missions and later became a U.S. Senator, using his space experience to advocate for science funding and space exploration programs.
Kelly’s background as a Navy pilot and test pilot prepared him for the challenges of flying the Space Shuttle on complex missions to build and supply the International Space Station.
- Life and Legacy: Born February 21, 1964 – Still alive (Age 60).
- Life Achievements: Four shuttle flights, U.S. Senator, Navy pilot, gun safety advocate, and twin study participant.
21. Kalpana Chawla
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kalpana Chawla was the first Indian-American woman in space, flying on two Space Shuttle missions before tragically dying in the Columbia disaster in 2003.
She inspired millions of young people, especially women, to pursue careers in aerospace engineering and space exploration around the world.
- Life and Legacy: Born March 17, 1962 – Died February 1, 2003 (Age 40).
- Life Achievements: First Indian-American woman in space, aerospace engineer, Columbia mission specialist, and inspiration to millions.
22. Ulf Merbold
Image Source: Wikipedia
Ulf Merbold was the first non-American to fly on a Space Shuttle and the first West German citizen in space, opening the door for international cooperation.
Merbold’s background as a physicist specializing in solid-state physics made him an ideal candidate for conducting scientific experiments in the microgravity environment of space.
- Life and Legacy: Born June 20, 1941 – Still alive (Age 83).
- Life Achievements: First non-American on shuttle, physicist, international cooperation pioneer, three spaceflights.
23. Helen Sharman
Image Source: Wikipedia
Helen Sharman became the first British person in space when she visited the Soviet space station Mir in 1991 after being selected from thousands of applicants.
She was selected from thousands of applicants for the privately funded mission and became a national hero in the UK, inspiring interest in space exploration.
- Life and Legacy: Born May 30, 1963 – Still alive (Age 61).
- Life Achievements: First British person in space, chemist, Mir visitor, UK space inspiration, private mission participant.
24. Yang Liwei
Image Source: CGTN
Yang Liwei became the first Chinese astronaut to travel to space when he orbited Earth 14 times in 2003 aboard Shenzhou 5, marking China’s entry into human spaceflight.
His historic flight marked China’s entry into human spaceflight and made him a national hero, demonstrating that China could compete with established space powers.
- Life and Legacy: Born June 21, 1965 – Still alive (Age 59).
- Life Achievements: First Chinese astronaut, fighter pilot, space program leader, national hero, Shenzhou 5 commander.
25. Roberta Bondar
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org
Roberta Bondar was the first Canadian woman in space and the world’s first neurologist to travel to orbit, bringing unique medical expertise to space research.
She conducted important medical experiments during her Space Shuttle mission and later became a successful photographer and author, sharing her space experiences.
- Life and Legacy: Born December 4, 1945 – Still alive (Age 78).
- Life Achievements: First Canadian woman in space, neurologist, medical researcher, photographer, and author.
26. Franklin Chang-Díaz
Image Source: Wikipedia
Franklin Chang-Díaz ties the record for most spaceflights by any astronaut with seven Space Shuttle missions, demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication over his long career.
Born in Costa Rica, he became a U.S. citizen and developed advanced rocket propulsion systems for future deep space missions to Mars and beyond.
- Life and Legacy: Born April 5, 1950 – Still alive (Age 74).
- Life Achievements: Seven spaceflights, plasma physicist, rocket engineer, VASIMR propulsion developer, Costa Rican-American.
27. Story Musgrave
Image Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Story Musgrave flew six Space Shuttle missions, including the first Hubble Space Telescope servicing mission that saved one of astronomy’s most important tools from early problems.
At age 61, he was the oldest person to fly in space at that time, proving that age doesn’t have to limit space exploration dreams.
- Life and Legacy: Born August 19, 1935 – Still alive (Age 89).
- Life Achievements: Six spaceflights, Hubble repair mission, surgeon, oldest astronaut at retirement, renaissance man.
28. Shannon Lucid
Image Source: New Mexico Museum of Space History
Shannon Lucid set the American record for longest stay in space when she spent 188 days aboard the Russian space station Mir in 1996, demonstrating international cooperation.
Her mission helped build cooperation between former Cold War enemies in space exploration and proved that Americans could work effectively with Russian cosmonauts.
- Life and Legacy: Born January 14, 1943 – Still alive (Age 81).
- Life Achievements: Longest American spaceflight at the time, Mir resident, biochemist, international cooperation pioneer.
29. Thomas Stafford
Image Source: NASA
Thomas Stafford commanded the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975, the first joint American-Soviet space mission that symbolized improving relations between the superpowers during the Cold War.
Stafford’s experience as an Air Force test pilot and his four previous spaceflights made him the ideal choice to command this historic international mission.
- Life and Legacy: Born September 17, 1930 – Still alive (Age 94).
- Life Achievements: Apollo-Soyuz commander, four spaceflights, Air Force general, international cooperation pioneer.
30. Wally Schirra
Image Source: Britannica
Wally Schirra was the only astronaut to fly in all three early NASA programs: Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo, giving him unmatched experience in early spaceflight.
Schirra’s Navy test pilot background and engineering expertise made him one of NASA’s most technically competent astronauts.
- Life and Legacy: Born March 12, 1923 – Died May 3, 2007 (Age 84).
- Life Achievements: Only astronaut in Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo, Navy pilot, practical joker, program veteran.
31. Alexei Leonov
Image Source: NBC News
Alexei Leonov became the first human to walk in space during a 12-minute spacewalk in 1965, nearly dying when his spacesuit inflated and made it difficult to return.
He had to secretly release some air pressure from his suit to squeeze back inside, risking decompression sickness but saving his life.
- Life and Legacy: Born May 30, 1934 – Died October 11, 2019 (Age 85).
- Life Achievements: First spacewalk, Apollo-Soyuz commander, artist, and near-death space experience survivor.
32. Gordon Cooper
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org
Gordon Cooper flew the last solo American spaceflight during Mercury-Atlas 9, staying in space for 34 hours and proving that humans could survive longer missions to the Moon.
His Mercury mission included 22 orbits around Earth, longer than all previous American spaceflights combined, and demonstrated that the human body could adapt to extended weightlessness.
- Life and Legacy: Born March 6, 1927 – Died October 4, 2004 (Age 77).
- Life Achievements: Last solo American flight, test pilot, 34-hour Mercury mission, calm under pressure.
33. Deke Slayton
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org
Deke Slayton was grounded from early flights due to a heart condition, but later flew on Apollo-Soyuz at age 51 after years of working behind the scenes.
Slayton’s influence on the space program extended far beyond his own flights, as he was responsible for choosing which astronauts flew on which missions, including the crew selection for the first Moon landing.
- Life and Legacy: Born March 1, 1924 – Died June 13, 1993 (Age 69).
- Life Achievements: Apollo-Soyuz pilot, crew selection chief, program administrator, Mercury Seven member.
34. Ed White
Image Source: Wikipedia
Ed White became the first American to walk in space during Gemini 4 in 1965, floating outside his spacecraft for 23 minutes in a historic spacewalk.
Tragically, he died in the Apollo 1 fire, but his spacewalk helped prove humans could work outside their vehicles and paved the way for Moon landings.
- Life and Legacy: Born November 14, 1930 – Died January 27, 1967 (Age 36).
- Life Achievements: First American spacewalk, Air Force pilot, Apollo 1 crew, space exploration pioneer.
35. Svetlana Savitskaya
Image Source: Free Press Journal
Svetlana Savitskaya was the second woman in space and the first woman to walk in space during her 1984 mission to the Salyut 7 space station.
She proved that women could perform complex tasks outside a spacecraft just as well as men, breaking important barriers for female astronauts worldwide.
- Life and Legacy: Born August 8, 1948 – Still alive (Age 76).
- Life Achievements: Second woman in space, first woman spacewalker, test pilot, aerobatic champion.
36. David Scott
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org
David Scott commanded Apollo 15 and was the first astronaut to drive a vehicle on the Moon, using the lunar rover to explore a much larger area than previous missions.
He also conducted the famous feather-and-hammer experiment on the Moon, proving Galileo’s theory that objects fall at the same rate in a vacuum.
- Life and Legacy: Born June 6, 1932 – Still alive (Age 92).
- Life Achievements: Apollo 15 commander, first lunar rover driver, Moon science pioneer, feather-hammer experiment.
37. Eugene Cernan
Image Source: The Guardian
Eugene Cernan was the last person to walk on the Moon during Apollo 17 in 1972, and he remains the last human to leave footprints on the lunar surface.
He wrote his daughter’s initials in the Moon dust before leaving, creating a personal moment in one of humanity’s greatest achievements.
- Life and Legacy: Born March 14, 1934 – Died January 16, 2017 (Age 82).
- Life Achievements: Last person on the Moon, Apollo 17 commander, lunar module pilot, Navy pilot.
38. John Young
Image Source: Britannica
John Young flew six spaceflights, including commanding the first Space Shuttle mission in 1981, and walked on the Moon during Apollo 16 in a remarkable career.
He served NASA for 42 years, making him one of the most experienced astronauts ever and a witness to the entire development of human spaceflight.
- Life and Legacy: Born September 24, 1930 – Died January 5, 2018 (Age 87).
- Life Achievements: Six spaceflights, first shuttle commander, Moon walker, 42 years at NASA, program veteran.
39. Kathryn Sullivan
Image Source: BBC
Kathryn Sullivan became the first American woman to walk in space during a 1984 Space Shuttle mission, breaking important barriers for women in space exploration.
She later became the first woman to reach the deepest point in the ocean, making her unique in both space and ocean exploration achievements.
- Life and Legacy: Born October 3, 1951 – Still alive (Age 73).
- Life Achievements: First American woman spacewalker, oceanographer, deep ocean explorer, geologist, NOAA administrator.
40. Guion Bluford
Image Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Guion Bluford became the first African American in space when he flew on Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983, breaking racial barriers in the astronaut corps.
His successful mission helped inspire minority students to pursue STEM careers and proved that space exploration was truly open to people of all backgrounds.
- Life and Legacy: Born November 22, 1942 – Still alive (Age 82).
- Life Achievements: First African American in space, Air Force pilot, aerospace engineer, four spaceflights.
41. Akihiko Hoshide
Image Source: Spectrum News 13
Akihiko Hoshide is a Japanese astronaut who has served as commander of the International Space Station and completed multiple long-duration missions conducting scientific research.
He has helped strengthen Japan’s role in international space cooperation and scientific research through his technical expertise and leadership skills.
- Life and Legacy: Born December 28, 1968 – Still alive (Age 55).
- Life Achievements: Japanese astronaut, ISS commander, engineer, international cooperation leader, and long-duration missions.
42. Pedro Duque
Image Source: CNN
Pedro Duque became the first Spanish astronaut when he flew to the International Space Station in 2003, representing Spain in international space exploration efforts.
Duque’s background as an aeronautical engineer and test pilot prepared him for the technical challenges of spaceflight.
- Life and Legacy: Born March 14, 1963 – Still alive (Age 61).
- Life Achievements: First Spanish astronaut, aeronautical engineer, government minister, ESA astronaut, science advocate.
43. Judith Resnik
Image Source: NASA
Judith Resnik was the second American woman in space and tragically died in the Challenger disaster in 1986 while working to advance scientific research in space.
As an electrical engineer, she conducted important experiments and helped pave the way for more women in technical roles through her expertise and professionalism.
- Life and Legacy: Born April 5, 1949 – Died January 28, 1986 (Age 36).
- Life Achievements: Second American woman in space, electrical engineer, Challenger crew, technical expert, women’s pioneer.
44. Christa McAuliffe
Image Source: NBC Boston
Christa McAuliffe was selected as the first teacher in space, but tragically died in the Challenger explosion in 1986 while trying to inspire students about space exploration.
Her mission was designed to inspire students and show that ordinary people could participate in space exploration.
- Life and Legacy: Born September 2, 1948 – Died January 28, 1986 (Age 37).
- Life Achievements: First teacher astronaut, education advocate, Challenger crew, student inspiration, and civilian astronaut.
45. Liu Yang
Image Source: en.wikipedia.org
Liu Yang became the first Chinese woman in space when she flew aboard Shenzhou 9 to China’s space station in 2012, marking an important milestone for both China’s space program and women worldwide.
Her mission marked an important milestone for China’s space program and inspired women throughout Asia to pursue space careers and technical education.
- Life and Legacy: Born October 6, 1978 – Still alive (Age 46).
- Life Achievements: First Chinese woman in space, Air Force pilot, space station crew, women’s inspiration, Shenzhou missions.
Who Are the Astronauts Leading Future Moon and Mars Missions?
Today, famous astronauts are preparing for humanity’s return to the Moon and eventual trips to Mars through NASA’s Artemis program and other international missions.
The Artemis II crew is Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen.
Other astronauts who are eligible/adjacent but not assigned. Jessica Meir and Anne McClain are among the women astronauts who could become the first women to walk on the Moon’s surface during the upcoming Artemis missions.
Male astronauts like Raja Chari, Kayla Barron, and Thomas Marshburn are also training for future deep space missions that will take humans farther from Earth than ever before, requiring precision.
These modern astronauts combine the courage of their predecessors with advanced training in robotics, geology, and survival skills.
Mastering these new technologies is needed for Mars missions that could last several years and redefine research.
Conclusion
These famous astronauts have shown that humans can achieve incredible things when they work together toward common goals of exploration and finding beyond Earth.
From the first steps on the Moon to long-term missions on the International Space Station, these brave individuals have expanded our understanding of space and our place in the universe.
Their contributions to science, technology, and international cooperation continue to benefit people around the world every day through satellite technology and scientific research.
Join this path to support space exploration and inspire the next generation.
