The word astronaut comes from the Latin words meaning, "star sailor". The first astronaut programs began in the 1950s. The first two countries to have astronauts were the Russians and the United States. Russian astronauts were called cosmonauts. Later on, France started a space program and called its astronauts "spationauts."

If you are an astronaut, NASA trains you to be a pilot, mission specialist, or payload specialist. Pilots have one of two jobs on a space mission- commander or mission pilot. The commander runs the spacecraft and works with mission control back on Earth. The commander can also fly the spacecraft, and he controls the navigation systems. The mission pilot is the backup commander. They both have the same training, but the commander has more experience than the mission pilot.

A mission specialist is a scientist and an engineer. They perform experiments and work with specialized equipment. Some of their missions could include a spacewalk or maybe they would use the shuttles robotic arm to perform experiments.

A payload specialist can go on space missions. They mainly work on the experiments and equipment used in space missions.

The first astronauts and cosmonauts were selected only from military pilots. Now that space exploration has become more scientific, the requirements are much greater. Today astronauts include scientists, engineers, medical doctors, educators, and pilots.

In space exploration, being mentally and physically fit are two very important requirements. Personal qualities desired in an astronaut include being trustworthy and reliable and having great communication skills. Astronauts in the space shuttle must be able to speak English. Astronauts aboard the Mir Space Station must be able to speak Russian.

When you read this article I hope it makes you think of the hard working people involved in the space programs and what they do to improve our lives.