What's an astronaut?

[MarkB]

Well, astronaut derives from aeronaut, and the definition of aeronaut is "someone who travels in a flying vehicle such as a hot-air balloon or airship", so no specific delineation between passengers and crew in the definition itself. However, the examples given are all of actual crew rather than passengers.

 

[Morrus]

Well, astronaut derives from aeronaut,

It shares a root, but it doesn't derive from aeronaut -- unless Jason's argonauts also derive from aeronaut! Astronaut is from the greek - star sailor.

 

[Morrus]

Here's Wikipedia's option on the matter (for what that's worth) -- it's not particularly conclusive.

"An astronaut (from the Greek "astron" (ἄστρον), meaning "star", and "nautes" (ναύτης), meaning "sailor") is a person trained, equipped, and deployed by a human spaceflight program to serve as a commander or crew member aboard a spacecraft. Although generally reserved for professional space travelers, the terms are sometimes applied to anyone who travels into space, including scientists, politicians, journalists and tourists.[1][2]

"Astronaut" technically applies to all human space travelers regardless of nationality or allegiance; however, astronauts fielded by Russia or the Soviet Union are typically known instead as cosmonauts (from the Russian "kosmos" (космос), meaning "universe", also borrowed from Greek) in order to distinguish them from American or otherwise NATO-oriented space travellers.[3] Comparatively recent developments in manned spaceflight made by China and other East Asian nations have also led to the rise of the term taikonaut (from the Mandarin "tàikōng" (太空), meaning "space"), although its use is somewhat informal and its origin is unclear.

Until 2002, astronauts were sponsored and trained exclusively by governments, either by the military or by civilian space agencies. With the suborbital flight of the privately funded SpaceShipOne in 2004, a new category of astronaut was created: the commercial astronaut."

 

[FitzTheRuke]

So it’s whether they’re paid to be there or not?

I think that's it: Are you paid to be there or did you pay to be there? I can pilot a boat, but if I'm on a ferry (or a cruise ship) I'm not a member of the crew.

 

[MarkB]

It shares a root, but it doesn't derive from aeronaut -- unless Jason's argonauts also derive from aeronaut! Astronaut is from the greek - star sailor.

Fair enough - I meant "derives from" in the sense that when they were wondering what to call folks who travelled in rocketships, the thought process was probably "well, we call people who use flying machines aeronauts, so..."

And it's still valid as a comparable term that's been in use long enough for people to have gone through this thought process before. Alas, a little brief googling doesn't really reveal much discussion of the specific question.

 

[aco175]

When I was in the Army, we were stationed on an aircraft carrier for a couple months after we decided to not invade Haiti. After the first month we were put to work, mostly KP duty, but I would not consider myself a sailor or crewman at that point. Not even a pirate.

I do think it will be cool and nostalgic at first until everyone is doing it, like airplanes or internet chats. Most likely will not happen in my life where it will be common for the masses.

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

I think you misread me - whether they’re paid to be there, not whether they’ve paid to be there.

I.e. whether it’s their job.

You're right- I did misread you! Sorry.

The only (slight) distinction I make is that being a part of the working crew does not necessarily require payment. I'm sure we can all imagine scenarios (for example, rich young tech bro funds his own astronaut training and rocket design and is a legitimate part of the crew, but isn't 'paid' since he owns the whole endeavor) wherein the "paid" definition is too limiting.

But yeah. I think the term is going to evolve as more people get up there. At this time, given the relative scarcity, I'm not sure that the distinction between "astronaut" and "dude who just happened to be in space" matters, and when it does, it will likely break down to the crew / non-crew category. IMO, etc.

 

[Umbran]

What about a NASA scientist who travels to the ISS but does not sail or fly the rocket? Or a civilian scientist who does similar?

They are not passive passengers - they are there to perform a mission and operate instruments aboard. The actual term for them is usually "Mission Specialist".

 

[Umbran]

I think that's it: Are you paid to be there or did you pay to be there? I can pilot a boat, but if I'm on a ferry (or a cruise ship) I'm not a member of the crew.

There have been tall ship cruises where you pay for the opportunity to help sail the ship. :/

 

[FitzTheRuke]

There have been tall ship cruises where you pay for the opportunity to help sail the ship. :/

That's true. I think in that case there's probably a divide between the "real" crew and the "guest" crew. Haven't done it, though. Either way, I think an Astro-tourist would not count as an astronaut, even if they have to train to survive it.