What is the difference between astronauts and astronomers? How is an astronaut different from a cosmonaut? Positive and negative aspects of the profession

Astronaut and cosmonaut

Question

What is the difference between the words “cosmonaut” and “astronaut?”

Astronaut- a specially trained person who makes flights into space. Astronaut– the same as astronaut. Term astronaut was adopted and traditionally used in English-speaking countries.

And after the first Chinese cosmonaut flew into space, a new word appeared, formed according to this model - taikonaut.


. Yu. A. Belchikov, O. I. Razheva. 2015 .

See what “astronaut and cosmonaut” are in other dictionaries:

    astronaut- star pilot, space pilot, astro pilot, star explorer, space explorer, cosmonaut, cosmonaut, star explorer Dictionary of Russian synonyms. astronaut see cosmonaut Dictionary of synonyms of the Russian language. Practical guide. M.: Russian language... Synonym dictionary

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    ASTRONAUT Modern encyclopedia

    Astronaut- (from cosmos and Greek nautes navigator) (astronaut), a person who experiences and exploits space technology in space flight and conducting research as part of a spacecraft crew. First cosmonaut Yu.A. Gagarin (1961),… … Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

    ASTRONAUT- (from cosmos and Greek nautes navigator) (astronaut) a person who tests and operates space technology in space flight. Cosmonaut training in the USSR began in 1960, in the USA in 1959. The first cosmonaut Yu. A. Gagarin (1961), the first... ... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

    ASTRONAUT- (in Russian cosmonaut), a person who controls a spacecraft or is on its crew, or is training to participate in such a flight. The first person to fly around the Earth was Yuri GAGARIN (1961). The first person to set foot on... Scientific and technical encyclopedic dictionary

    ASTRONAUT- (from astro... and Greek nautes navigator), the same as astronaut. The term is used, for example, in the USA, Great Britain, France... Modern encyclopedia

Books

  • An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth. What 4,000 Hours in Orbit Taught Me by Christopher Hadfield. New York Times bestseller. Three months in the top Amazon. com. Million sales. `Hadfield has done more to change our understanding of space exploration than, perhaps, any of...

ASTRONAUT

ASTRONAUT(in Russian - cosmonaut), a person who controls a spacecraft or is on its crew, or is training to participate in such a flight. The first person to fly around the Earth was Yuri GAGARIN (1961). The first person to set foot on the surface of the Moon was Neil ARMSTRONG (1969). The first woman in space was Valentina Tereshkova (USSR, 1963).

Astronauts flying on NASA's space shuttle use space suits (1), which allow crew members to work in space for up to seven hours at a time. The suit shell is multi-layered, combining eight materials. The outer layer is made of specially treated nylon, which prevents damage from tiny meteorites. Then there are four layers of aluminum foil that provide protection from solar radiation, and underneath is a fire-resistant layer with increased tensile strength. The astronaut is protected from the vacuum of space by a nylon overall with a polyurethane coating, into which air is supplied under pressure. The discomfort caused by extremely high or extremely low temperatures is eliminated by the water heating and cooling system - a network of tubes installed in the nylon undersuit. (2) The Manual Maneuvering Unit (MMU) allows the astronaut to move away from the vehicle. Energy is supplied from 24 pushers located at the corners of the backpack. By releasing compressed nitrogen from two reservoirs (3) through nozzles, the astronaut can move in a vacuum. Control levers regulate rotation (4) and speed (5). A video camera (6) sends images inside the ship and records the work being done.


Scientific and technical encyclopedic dictionary.

Synonyms:

See what "ASTRONAUT" is in other dictionaries:

    Astronaut... Spelling dictionary-reference book

    Alan Bartlett Shepard. The first American to make suborbital space flight... Wikipedia

    Star pilot, space pilot, astro pilot, star explorer, space explorer, cosmonaut, cosmonaut, star explorer Dictionary of Russian synonyms. astronaut see cosmonaut Dictionary of synonyms of the Russian language. Practical guide. M.: Russian language... Synonym dictionary

    - (from astro... and Greek nautes navigator), the same as astronaut. The term is used, for example, in the USA, Great Britain, France... Modern encyclopedia

    - (from astro... and Greek nautes navigator) the same as astronaut. The term is common in the USA and some other countries... Big Encyclopedic Dictionary

    ASTRONAUT, huh, husband. 1. Astronautics specialist. 2. In some foreign terminologies: the same as an astronaut. | wives astronaut, i. Dictionary Ozhegova. S.I. Ozhegov, N.Yu. Shvedova. 1949 1992 … Ozhegov's Explanatory Dictionary

    astronaut- a, m. astronaute m. Cosmonaut abroad. ES. Lex. IAU 1957: astrona/w… Historical Dictionary Gallicisms of the Russian language

    astronaut- Specialist working for spacecraft outside the earth's atmosphere. Syn.: astronaut... Dictionary of Geography

    Astronaut- (from astro... and Greek nautes navigator), the same as astronaut. The term is used, for example, in the USA, Great Britain, France. ... Illustrated Encyclopedic Dictionary

    ASTRONAUT- the same as (see); the term is adopted in a number of foreign countries, mainly in the USA... Big Polytechnic Encyclopedia

Books

  • Astronaut Jones Time for the Stars, Heinlein R.. If you have a goal in life and a persistent desire to achieve this goal, nothing will stop you on this path. Maximillian Jones has such a goal - the stars. Max knows for sure, is absolutely sure of...

It took only a century to explore outer space. During this time, scientific and technological progress has made a huge step forward. Humanity has received a unique opportunity to observe planet Earth through the eyes of astronauts - inhabitants of the ISS. Also among the tamers of space there are astronauts. It remains to determine the difference between two seemingly similar concepts.

Moments of history

A short excursion into the history of the formation of these words will help you understand the difference between the terms.

First word "astronaut" Readers of the science fiction novel by writer Percy Greg learned at the end of the 19th century. True, the word did not become widespread until the first half of the 20th century. The word “astronaut” received the status of a scientific designation in 1929, thanks to the Astronomical Association of Britain.

“Cosmonaut ” was invented by the Soviet researcher Sternfeld A. A. The neologism was received coldly, but after some time this term began to be used by scientists, and then entered into lexicon ordinary people.

Consequences of the Cold War

Politics played a major role in the difference between terms. When humanity was recovering from World War II, the USSR and America were mired in a race of military and scientific achievements for many decades.

IN post-war period space development programs have undergone tremendous development. Tests took place with the participation of living pilots launching ships into Earth orbit. In the Soviet Union, space workers were called cosmonauts, and in the vastness of America such a person was called an astronaut. In fact, these are identical concepts. The difference lies in the zealous desire of the two world powers to uniquely define their own definition. Consequently, The name of this profession depends on the nationality of the pilot.

Even in our time, scientists have not come to a common designation. In Russia, the conqueror of the stars is called “ astronaut“, and in Europe, Asia and America – “ astronaut“. Despite the similarity of the profession, let us take a closer look at the work of astronauts, whose staff is somewhat larger than that of cosmonauts.

Astronaut profession

The profession of an astronaut is a rare activity. Becoming an astronaut is by no means easy; you need to be fluent in certain skills, have special education and be in suitable physical shape. The uniqueness of the astronaut profession is that a new flight is not similar to the previous journey. And it’s difficult to predict how the next space mission will turn out. In order to properly cope with his work and not bring disaster to the entire crew, the astronaut must ideally be able to:

  • Steer the ship.
  • Know and be able to use on-board systems.
  • Test your equipment correctly.
  • Conduct scientific research.
  • Be able to connect with the Earth.
  • Carry out technical work (loading and repairs).
  • Perform the necessary actions in open space conditions.
  • React adequately to extreme situations.

This list reflects the basic skills of a representative of this profession. In fact, an astronaut's responsibilities include many other things.

Description of the profession

The astronaut must correctly understand the readings of all instruments and indicators, as well as quickly respond to all emerging situations. A small mistake can result in irreparable circumstances. A great danger exists in the likelihood of accidents, which cannot be written off.

Therefore, people with a high IQ are best suited for this job. In addition, the astronaut must have nerves of steel, great strength will, to be a brave person. In some conditions, even communication with the Earth may be interrupted, so you will have to react quickly and clearly. The ability to make quick but correct decisions is one of the extremely necessary qualities. So, cowardly candidates for astronauts are not accepted.

Positive and negative aspects of the profession

On space station working conditions are difficult. A person can be greatly affected by weightlessness and isolation, which can last a long time. This profession tends to affect the psychological state of a person. This is due to high intellectual and emotional stress. Specific working conditions also have an impact. Not everyone can withstand such mental stress. Crews check for compatibility.

The bad thing about astronaut training is the impossibility of creating future working conditions on Earth. The pilot will not get used to all the features. In addition, it is impossible to prepare it for all cases that may occur.

So what are the differences?

In fact, becoming an astronaut is a little easier than becoming an astronaut. An astronaut is any person who has risen to a height of 80.5 km or more. Russian representatives of this profession need to fly around the Earth's orbit.

Afterword

Still, it is not at all necessary to look for differences in these two specialties. All astronauts and cosmonauts in to the same degree They do the seemingly unreal - they rush to the stars for new discoveries, risking their lives. Thanks to their courage and valiant work, astronautics is developing and exploring new horizons.

Great, unknown, mysterious space

Just a hundred years ago, people did not even think about traveling by air at significant speed. Space seemed to be an unreal substance invented by science fiction writers. Currently, there is nothing surprising about a person staying in orbit for six months. People who conquer the airspace, hosts of television and radio programs, are called astronauts or cosmonauts. The question arises about the existence of differences in the two notations.

When using the words “astronaut” and “cosmonaut”, people rarely think about their true meaning and in vain because of the meaning contained in them. Etymology is directly related to historical events own Fatherland. In reality, an astronaut is similar to the concept of an astronaut. According to tradition, the term “astronaut” has established itself and is widely used in the English-speaking environment. It is noteworthy that after the first stay in space of a citizen from China, another similar use of “taikonaut” came into use.

Appearance of the term

The word “astronaut”, which first debuted in 1880 on the pages of a short story by the English writer P. Greg, did not attract the due attention of readers in those years. In 1929, it was introduced into the article by the Association of Astronomers of Britain. The word “cosmonaut” was proposed in 1935 by the developer of rocket flight trajectories A. A. Sternfeld. The local community of scientists was slow to approve the innovation. Both terms come from Greek roots. “Cosmonaut” means “navigator of the Universe,” and “astronaut” means “explorer of the stars.”

Facts from history

In the last century, outer space was actively explored by two world powers - the Soviet Union and the United States of America, which regularly sent their own citizens into space, the first of which was the outstanding Yuri Gagarin. The US is landing on the moon. There was no need for outside borrowing, since each country took full pride in its individual achievements.

Cold War influence

In differentiating terms, politics plays an important role. After the end of World War II, the USSR and the USA competed with each other for a long period of decades on the creation of new types of weapons and in the scientific field. During this period, special scientific programs are being developed. Manned spacecraft are being launched into Earth orbit. There is a need to find a special designation for people in this profession.

Although the concepts of “Astronaut” and “cosmonaut” are absolutely identical in meaning, both states deliberately emphasize the introduction of two terms. It turns out that when exploring the vastness of the Universe, a person from Russia is called an “astronaut”, and a person from America, Europe or Japan is called an “astronaut”, deliberately emphasizing the place of his birth.

Difference

Currently, cosmonaut represents the space conqueror of the Soviet era, while astronaut serves for a similar designation in the foreign world. The population of Russia and America is equally familiar with this term. Both world powers use them based on the situation, when presenting news or in everyday communication. In America, news clips show citizens who have been in space Russian Federation and Kazakhstan are often called “cosmonauts”, and their own conquerors of extraterrestrial space – “astronauts”. Often in our homeland you can hear the phrase that Tereshkova is an astronaut, and Neil Armstrong is an astronaut.

American on the Moon

Until now, the responsibilities of the cosmonaut and the astronaut, who perform absolutely identical activities, have not been distributed in orbit. In fact, it is easier to obtain the title of astronaut, since, following the rules of an overseas state, he is a pilot who has risen to an altitude of 80.5 km or more. To be awarded the honorary title, Russian cosmonauts must complete a flight around orbit. According to legal norms, the name was assigned earlier due to the dog Laika, sent into the vacuum of space by the Soviet country in 1957, naturally with the status of not an astronaut, but a “cosmonaut”.

The first person to leave the Earth was, is and will always remain for posterity - USSR citizen Yuri Gagarin. It is known that the word “astronaut” had already appeared in literary science fiction works before the famous flight.

Summing up

Drawing conclusions, we can confidently state:

    • “Cosmonaut” is a Soviet, Russian term, “astronaut” is of American origin.
    • “Astronaut” is a fairly old concept, but “cosmonauts” appeared much earlier.
    • “Cosmonauts” are people flying within the orbit; “astronauts” certainly exceed 80.5 km.

In most cases, the difference in concepts is not so important to them. After all, they are all at risk own life, in difficult conditions, they master the vastness of the Universe. Perhaps, thanks to their courage and dedicated work, people will soon go on a journey to distant stars and other planets!

Just 100 years ago, people could not even dream of being able to travel through the air, covering vast distances at high speed. Moreover, the idea of ​​a man in space seemed something fantastic. At the present time, the fact of six-month stays of people in orbit is already commonplace. Often on TV screens they talk about people conquering outer space. But sometimes they are called astronauts, and sometimes as cosmonauts. What's the difference?

Where did the word begin?

In order to understand how an astronaut differs from a cosmonaut, you need to understand the origin of words.

The world was the first to recognize the word “astronaut”. It is believed that it debuted in the pages of a science fiction novel by the English writer P. Greg in 1880. But it did not gain much popularity. In 1929, the word was used as a scientific definition in an article by the British Astronomical Association.

The word “cosmonaut” was proposed in 1935 by A. A. Sternfeld, a scientist involved in calculating rocket flight trajectories and a popularizer of space science. But the scientific community did not immediately accept this innovation. Some pundits categorically rejected the new term, classifying it as an unnecessary neologism. Nevertheless, after the mid-20th century, the term “cosmonaut” first replenished the scientific vocabulary, and then the vocabulary of the common man.

Both words have Greek roots. “Cosmonaut” from the language of Pythagoras is literally translated as “universal navigator,” and “astronaut” is “star navigator.”

If we consider the exact definitions of each word, then the difference between an astronaut and an astronaut cannot be found. After all, both terms denote a person engaged in scientific research V outer space. True, in different countries Ah the world these concepts are divided, speaking about people of the same profession. So, let's clarify how a cosmonaut differs from an astronaut, what is the difference?

Cold War

Politics played a major role in the differentiation of terms. She determined how a cosmonaut differs from an astronaut. After the end of World War II Soviet Union and America were stuck in an arms race for several decades and scientific discoveries, allowing you to overtake the enemy country. Or, as they more often say, in the Cold War.

IN post-war period began active development programs related to Tests have begun to launch manned spacecraft to Earth's orbit. In the USSR, it was decided to call people sent beyond the Earth cosmonauts, and in America - astronauts. And although, in fact, these concepts are synonymous, the warring countries deliberately focused on the difference between a cosmonaut and an astronaut.

Until now, in the media and scientific literature of different countries, when talking about people navigating the vastness of the Universe, they use different terms. It turns out that the main difference in how a cosmonaut differs from an astronaut is his nationality. If a Russian pilot flies to the stars, then they say about him “cosmonaut”, if an American, Japanese, European - “astronaut”.

First in space

We, of course, are aware that it does not matter how an astronaut differs from an astronaut, because all these people are real heroes.

The first person in space was a Soviet test pilot, and part-time cosmonaut, Yuri Alekseevich Gagarin. This happened in 1961. The flight lasted just over 100 minutes. Now on this day our country celebrates Cosmonautics Day.

The second person to go on a rocket into low-Earth orbit was cosmonaut German Stepanovich Titov. He spent more than 24 hours in space.

In America, the first person and third in the world to fly in Earth orbit on spaceship, became astronaut John Herschel Glenn Jr. During his time in space, he flew around the planet three times.

And the first female cosmonaut to conquer outer space was Valentina Vladimirovna Tereshkova (1963).

Who's in orbit now?

  1. Test cosmonaut 1st class, commander of ISS-52 - Fedor Nikolaevich Yurchikhin (Russia).
  2. NASA astronaut, flight engineer - Peggy Winston (USA).
  3. NASA astronaut, flight engineer - Jack Fisher (USA).

For these people, it doesn’t matter how an astronaut differs from an astronaut. The main thing is scientific and research, which will allow earthlings to get closer to the secrets of the Universe. Perhaps it is thanks to such selfless people that we will be able to travel among the stars and other planets.