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. Followed by four layers of aluminum foil, which provide protection against solar radiation, and underneath there 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. Discomfort caused by extremely high or extremely low temperatures, is eliminated by a water heating and cooling system - a network of tubes laid in a 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. First American to fly 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 out of bounds 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...
Just 100 years ago, a person could not even dream of being able to travel by air, overcoming huge distances on 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 English writer P. Greg in 1880. But it did not gain much popularity. In 1929 this word was used as 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, the term “cosmonaut” after the middle of the 20th century first replenished the scientific vocabulary, and then lexicon a simple person.
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 precise definitions every 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 an astronaut differs from an astronaut. After the end of World War II, the 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 attention on the difference between an astronaut and an astronaut.
Still in the media and scientific literature different countries, when talking about people navigating the expanses 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 orbit the Earth in a spacecraft was 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?
- Test cosmonaut 1st class, commander of ISS-52 - Fedor Nikolaevich Yurchikhin (Russia).
- NASA astronaut, flight engineer - Peggy Winston (USA).
- 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.
The difference between an astronaut and an astronaut. Both of these terms come from Ancient Greece, but appeared in our everyday life relatively recently. Let's turn to the original meaning of the words: Astron (Greek) - star. Cosmos (Greek) - orderliness, peace, universe, creation... Nauta (Greek) - floating, navigator. From this root, by the way, were formed related words: "navigation", "navigator" and "nautilus". Astronaut It turns out literally: sailing to the stars, floating among the stars, star explorer. According to some sources, the word first appeared in science fiction back in 1880 as a title spaceship. According to others, the word “astronautique” (French astronautics) was used in the 1925 novel by the French science fiction writer J. Roney “Les Navigateurs de l’Infini” (Navigators of Infinity). From which it follows that the word astronautics is the source word for the word astronaut, and not vice versa! We can safely assume that the word “astronaut” is formed by analogy with the word “aeronaut” - aeronaut, which came into use since 1784 to designate those who flew on balloons. Sailing among the stars is still science fiction, so our American comrades got excited, calling the pilots of their ships astronauts. Astronaut as a “title” among the Americans is considered to be someone who has flown on a rocket without even going into orbital rotation, as the first one did American astronaut Alan Shepard May 5, 1961. It flew along a ballistic trajectory, that is, like a shell from a cannon. After spending a little time in weightlessness at an altitude of 180 km, Shepard safely lowered his vehicle to the ground. Shepard's flight lasted only 15 minutes and 22 seconds. According to the concepts of NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration, established in 1958), a flight above 100 km above the earth is already considered space. The Americans began recruiting astronauts before us - on January 27, 1959. Five hundred and eight people responded to the ad then. Only eighteen passed the tests, and the final squad included only 7 applicants, including Alan Shepard - lieutenant commander, test pilot of the US Navy. At that time he was 35 years old. But before Shepard, the first American astronaut was a chimpanzee named Ham! Cosmonaut The word is formed by analogy with aeronaut and astronaut, consists of 2 parts: “cosmo-naut” - that is, a person floating in outer space, a space navigator. In our country, only one who has completed an orbital flight is considered an astronaut, in other words, has exceeded the first escape velocity(~ 7.9 km/sec) and made at least one revolution around the earth. The word “cosmonaut” was first used by the scientist A. A. Sternfeld in his scientific work"Introduction to Cosmonautics" 1933-37 In fiction, the word “cosmonaut” first appeared in 1950 in the science fiction story “New Planet” by V. Saparin. In 1958, the word “cosmonaut” was already in dictionaries. And before determining the status of Yuri Gagarin before his flight, a council of leading experts, including M. Keldysh and S. Korolev, determined that the word “cosmonaut” is the most accurate and appropriate for a person carrying out a space flight. However, few people know that until November 1960, in all official documents Our “pilot-cosmonauts” from the cosmonaut corps were officially called “pilot-astronaut”. Thus, in the orders of the USSR Air Force in 1959 they wrote: “to select astronauts.” So, there you go! By the way, the word cosmodrome is derived from the Greek roots cosmodrome (a place for running) by analogy with the earlier word aerodrome - a place for aircraft to take off. The term "astrodrome" does not exist (yet!). Our first cosmonauts were dogs, there were more than a dozen of them in total, the most famous of them were Belka and Strelka, they made 17 revolutions around the earth and returned safely. Brief to remember Astronaut literally: sailing to the stars, floating among the stars, star explorer. Astronaut literally: a person floating in outer space, space navigator PS. As scientists who selected dogs for space research, the most suitable in this regard turned out to be the outbred “Shariki”. Pedigree dogs various reasons not suitable for space flights. Such is the paradox. P.S.S. Alan Shepard flew into space for the second time as commander of Apollo 14...
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 - Soviet Union and the United States of America, which regularly sent its own citizens into space, the first of which visited it 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 issues of creating new types of weapons and scientific field. During this period, special science programs. Manned spacecraft are being launched into Earth orbit. There is a need to find a special designation for people of 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, the astronaut represents the conqueror of space Soviet era, while astronaut serves for a similar designation in foreign world. The population of Russia and America is equally familiar 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 a cosmonaut and an 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. Russian cosmonauts To be awarded an honorary title, a flight around orbit is required. According to legal norms, the name is assigned earlier due to the Soviet country sent to airless space dogs Laika, 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 in literary fantastic works Before the famous flight, the word “astronaut” had already appeared.
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!
It took only a century to master outer space. During this time scientific and technical progress took a huge step forward. Humanity has received unique opportunity 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.
Readers of the science fiction novel by writer Percy Greg were the first to recognize the word “astronaut.” late XIX century. Is it true, widespread the word was not received until the first half of the 20th century. Status scientific designation The word “astronaut” received 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 the vocabulary of the common 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 whole difference lies in the zealous desire of the two world powers to uniqueize 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 the right place physical fitness. 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).
- Fulfill 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. The greatest danger exists in probability emergency cases, which cannot be written off in any way.
Therefore, people with high rate intelligence. 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. Ability to accept fast but right decisions- here is one of the extremely necessary qualities. So, cowardly astronaut candidates 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 for a long time. This profession tends to affect psychological state 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 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. 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.
