National Astronaut Day 2023: Since 2016, May 5 has been National Astronaut Day to honour Alan Shepard, the first American astronaut. We’ve gone from the first space trip to the longest female spaceflight.
NASA Day history
In reaction to the space competition and Russia’s first successful launch, NASA began astronaut selection in January 1959. Screening 508 military test pilots yielded 110 applicants. Final interviews selected seven after a rigorous selection procedure. L. Gordon Cooper Jr., Scott Carpenter, Virgil “Gus” Grissom, John H. Glenn Jr., Alan Shepard Jr., Walter Schirra Jr., and Donald Slayton. Mercury Seven.
On May 5, 1961, Alan Bartlett Shepard Jr. became the first American in space. The 15-minute flight covered 116 miles, a milestone.
Uniphi Space Agency founded National Astronaut Day in 2016. Uniphi Good LLC’s talent and marketing section represents approximately 20 former NASA astronauts.
Astronauts inspire us on National Astronaut Day. It honours those who risked their lives to further space exploration and the universe.
National Astronaut Day encourages young space enthusiasts to pursue their aspirations by sharing astronauts’ stories.
Celebrating Astronaut Day
Space documentaries
OTT platforms have many space exploration documentaries. “Apollo 11,” “Apollo: Missions to the Moon,” “Above and Beyond: NASA’s Journey to Tomorrow,” “How the Universe Works,” and “The Universe” are examples.
Astronaut biographies
Astronaut memoirs reveal space adventures. Read these outstanding memoirs: “Sally Ride: America’s First Woman in Space,” “Apollo 13,” “Carrying the Fire: An Astronaut’s Journeys,” and “Magnificent Desolation” by Buzz Aldrin.
Favourite astronaut tale?
Socialise your favourite astronaut or space travel story. #NationalAstronautDay and #WeBelieveInAstronauts. National Astronaut Day has an official webpage.
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5 Unknown Astronaut Facts
Moon family
Charles Duke, an Apollo 16 astronaut, left a family photo with a message on its back in April 1972.
Pee precautions
Astronauts are instructed to urinate every two hours because low gravity prevents them from feeling full.
First space song
The first space song was “Jewel In The Night” by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield.
Grow taller
Astronauts grow up to 3% taller in microgravity but recover to normal height after a few months on Earth.
Dawn and dusk
A space station circles the globe in 92 minutes, giving astronauts a sunrise or sunset every 45 minutes.
Why NASA Day Matters
Humans first flew in space.
It honours humanity’s achievement of the impossible.
It admires astronauts’ boldness.
Heroic astronauts. They encourage us to “reach for the stars” and believe in our dreams.
It inspires young astronauts.
Many kids want to be astronauts. This day inspires them.
NATIONAL ASTRONAUT DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | May 5 | Friday |
| 2024 | May 5 | Sunday |
| 2025 | May 5 | Monday |
| 2026 | May 5 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | May 5 | Wednesday |
