Context

The term "astronaut" derives from the Greek words meaning "space sailor" and refers to all who have been launched as crew members aboard NASA spacecraft bound for orbit and beyond.

Content

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) selected the first group of astronauts in 1959. From 500 candidates with the required jet aircraft flight experience and engineering training in addition to a height below 5 feet 11 inches, seven military men became the nation's first astronauts. The second and third groups chosen included civilians with extensive flying experience. By 1964, requirements had changed, and emphasis was placed on academic qualifications; in 1965, six scientist astronauts were selected from a group of 400 applicants who had a doctorate or equivalent experience in the natural sciences, medicine, or engineering. The group named in 1978 was the first of space shuttle flight crews and fourteen groups have been selected since then with a mix of pilots and mission specialists.

There are currently 50 active astronauts and 35 management astronauts in the program; 196 astronauts have retired or resigned and 49 are deceased (as of April 2013).

Acknowledgements

This dataset was published by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration as the "Astronaut Fact Book" (April 2013 edition). Active astronauts' mission names and flight statistics were updated from the NASA website.

Inspiration

Which American astronaut has spent the most time in space? What university has produced the most astronauts? What subject did the most astronauts major in at college? Have most astronauts served in the military? Which branch? What rank did they achieve?