Definition: astronaut [ˈæstəˈrəʊn] n. 1. A person who performs space or earthwork missions. 2. a person employed by NASA as an astronaut, space weather physicist, or other related field. 3. an individual, especially a professional in a field involving space exploration or astronomy. 4. a person employed by NASA as an astronaut. The word "astronaut" is derived from the Latin term "astron," which means "out of sight" and "star." The name "astronaut" was first used in 1963 for an American astronaut named Eugene Cernan, who flew into space on Apollo 8. However, the term became more widely known and used in English as a generic term for any professional or private individual employed by NASA to perform space missions. The word is often used in reference to a person who has been selected for astronaut training and chosen to participate in space exploration missions. Astronauts have typically completed rigorous training programs, undergo rigorous physical training, and may spend up to six months on the International Space Station (ISS) before being released back into Earth orbit.

Astronaut

Definition: The term "astronautics" generally refers to the study, development, and use of techniques used in aerospace engineering and space travel. It encompasses a wide range of activities and disciplines that involve designing spacecraft, constructing rockets, launching satellites and other objects into orbit, and performing missions such as exploration of Mars or studying stars. The word "astronautical" is derived from the Greek word "astron," meaning sky, and "astros," which means planets. Astronautical technology typically refers to technologies related to spacecraft design, construction, launch operations, mission planning, and space exploration. Examples include rocket engines, satellites, communication systems, and spacecraft structural components. The word is used in a broad range of contexts, including but not limited to: -

Spacecraft Engineering

: The process of developing and designing spacecraft for various missions such as exploratory flights, military defense operations, scientific research, or space tourism. -

Astronautical Operations

: The activities that occur when astronauts are on the ground performing tasks related to their missions. This includes communication systems, navigation, launch operations, and other operational aspects of spaceflight. -

Spacecraft Design

: The planning and development of spacecraft for different purposes such as research or commercial use. In summary, "astronautical" refers to activities that involve designing, building, launching, operating, or studying spacecraft in general. It encompasses a diverse range of disciplines related to aerospace engineering.

astronautics, astronautical