cosmonaut A Russian/Soviet astronaut. The Russians have a long-standing tradition of only calling their people “cosmonauts” after they have traveled in space. This differs from the American custom, in which astronauts are so named as soon as they have been accepted into NASA employment after passing the selection tests. Related categories ASTRONAUTS AND COSMONAUTS MANNED SPACEFLIGHT Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |