Astronaut training

Astronaut training is the process and education required of astronauts to acquire the skills, knowledge, and physical shape necessary for spaceflight. The term astronaut comes from the Greek words ástron (ἄστρον), meaning "star," and naut (ναύτης), meaning "sailor." In Hebrew, an astronaut is called חלל (khálal), while in Russian, the term is космонавт (kosmonávt), and in Chinese, it is 宇航员 (yǔhángyuán). Astronaut training encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including technical skills related to the operation of spacecraft systems, extravehicular activity (EVA) or spacewalk training, robotics, geology, survival skills, and medical training. Candidates undergo rigorous physical and psychological evaluations, as well as extensive classroom instruction and hands-on practice in simulators and mock-up environments. Training programs are designed to prepare astronauts for the unique challenges of spaceflight, such as microgravity, isolation, and the technical demands of operating in space. The duration and intensity of training vary depending on the specific mission requirements and the astronaut's prior experience.