A person trained to make flights into space; the general term is often used to include cosmonauts (the Russian equivalent).

By 2001 NASA had employed more than 350 astronauts. Potential astronauts apply to the Astronaut Candidate Program and receive appointments from the Astronaut Selection Office. European Space Agency astronauts train at the European Astronauts Centre in Cologne, Germany.

NASA selections are usually made every two years for space shuttle pilots and mission specialists. The finalists undergo a week of personal interviews and medical evaluations. Selected astronauts are assigned to the Astronaut Office at the Johnson Space Center for a one- to two-year training and evaluation programme, involving classes, training in shuttle mission simulators, and then with flight controllers in the mission control centre.

http://www.spacefacts.de/ Fascinating directory of space travellers. The site offers portraits and biographies of US, Russian, and international astronauts, in an easy-to-navigate database. The entries include personal data, missions, and career information.