# NASA Astronaut Corps
---
Who / What
The **NASA Astronaut Corps** is a specialized division of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) responsible for selecting, training, and deploying astronauts as crew members for space missions—both domestic and international.
---
Background & History
Founded in 1958 alongside NASA’s establishment, the Astronaut Corps initially emerged from the Mercury Seven program, which recruited the first seven American astronauts to compete with the Soviet Union’s early space achievements. The corps expanded during the Space Race, growing into a broader mission selection and training hub for all NASA programs, including Skylab, the Space Shuttle era, and modern missions like the International Space Station (ISS). Key milestones include the 1961 launch of Alan Shepard as the first American in space and the 1969 Moon landing by Apollo astronauts.
---
Why Notable
The Astronaut Corps plays a pivotal role in advancing human exploration beyond Earth, serving as both scientific ambassadors and critical operators for missions. Its selection process—one of the most competitive in the world—ensures expertise in spaceflight operations, engineering, and mission leadership. The corps has contributed to groundbreaking achievements, from the first woman (Sally Ride) and African American (Dr. Mae Jemison) astronauts to current roles in commercial spaceflight partnerships with SpaceX and Boeing.
---
In the News
As NASA transitions toward sustainable lunar missions under Artemis and future Mars exploration, the Astronaut Corps remains central to training next-generation explorers. Recent developments include expanded international collaboration (e.g., ESA, JAXA) and a focus on deep-space training for long-duration missions, ensuring its relevance in shaping humanity’s future in space.
---
Key Facts
---
