Astronauts
Astronauts, also known as cosmonauts if they hailed from the USSR during the Space Race, are the brave men and women who have visited space. In the early days of space exploration, it was the USA and Russian citizens that were sent up into the sky, but since then over 500 people have reached low Earth orbit from nations all over the world, including British, Chinese, Japanese, Canadian and French astronauts. The world astronaut is derived from the Greek words ástron and nautes, which means star sailor.

How human space junk could force a ‘new epoch’ on the Moon

Humans have made serious impacts on the Moon – so has the Moon entered a new epoch? We spoke to a space archaeologist to find out.
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Could a magnetic field protect a spacecraft?

As we venture out into the cosmos, protection from radiation will be critical.
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In pictures: Blue Origin helps Wally Funk achieve spaceflight dream

Blue Origin's first crewed flight of New Shepard takes off from West Texas.
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Michael Collins: Apollo 11 command module pilot

A modest and thoughtful man, he once said that “...the main qualification for flying to the Moon was to have been born at the right time, 1930, give or take a year or two.”
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Why it's critical the first crew on Mars contains a woman, according to former astronaut Dr Kathy Sullivan

Ahead of the launch of Lego's Discovery shuttle set, the first American woman to walk in space explains why diversity is key to the success of space exploration.
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New strains of bacteria found on the International Space Station

Three unknown species have been discovered growing on the ISS, but don't break out the anti-bac wipes just yet.
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Weightlessness could make astronauts worse at recognising emotions in others

The participants' cognitive speed and emotion recognition speed both dropped during the period of bed rest.
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Here's how YOU can apply to become one of ESA's newest astronauts

The European Space Agency is hiring a new class of astronauts. You could be one of them.
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Eating spinach could protect astronauts from space radiation, study suggests

A review of the research into the damaging effects of radiation suggests an antioxidant-rich diet could help to protect astronauts long trips.
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Your space agency needs YOU: ESA astronaut applications are opening

The agency is will also launch the Parastronaut Feasibility Project for future astronauts with physical disabilities.
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NASA astronauts to take first SpaceX ‘taxi service’ to ISS

The crew are scheduled for lift-off shortly after midnight on Sunday.
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SpaceX Crew Dragon astronauts believe the spacecraft is 'ready to go'

The pair landed in the ocean on Sunday after a 19-hour journey from the International Space Station.
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NASA to resume launching astronauts from US soil

Only three countries have launched people into orbit since 1961.
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"We never got to a point where we said, ‘Well, we’re going to die’”

Surviving crew members Jim Lovell and Fred Haise never made it to the Moon but hailed the teamwork that enabled them to return safely to Earth.
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Recreating space on Earth

Earth’s most extreme environments now host teams of astronauts who are experimenting with the tools, skills and protocols they’ll need to live on another planet.
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What is it really like to walk in space?

On 11 October 1984, astronaut Kathy Sullivan made history by becoming the first American woman to walk in space. We find out what it was like.
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"Aliens exist, there’s no two ways about it"

Dr Sharman made history when she participated in a mission to the Soviet modular space station Mir in 1991.
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Everything you ever wanted to know about the Apollo programme

In space, nobody can hear your questions – good job we can here on Earth…
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First all-female spacewalk finally confirmed for this afternoon

US astronauts Christina Koch and Jessica Meir are on course to make history as they venture outside the orbiting space lab.
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New NASA spacesuit revealed in preparation for return to the Moon

The American space agency has been tasked with putting astronauts back on the Moon by 2024.
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Cosmonaut who made first spacewalk dies aged 85

The Cosmonaut exited the Voskhod 2 capsule in space in March 1965.
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Tim Peake: finding even a single cell on Mars would be “hugely significant”

The European Space Agency astronaut said he is not convinced the feat will be achieved in the next two decades.
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Seconds from disaster

After a successful launch and a smooth journey to the Moon, Apollo 11 looked to be proceeding according to plan. But just as the lunar module closed in on its intended landing site, alarms began to sound.
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