How many astronauts have there ever been?

Reaching for the Stars: Ever Wonder How Many People Have Actually Been to Space?

Think about it: since Yuri Gagarin first blasted off in 1961, we’ve been sending people beyond our atmosphere. It’s mind-blowing! But when you get down to brass tacks, how many humans have really earned the title of astronaut or cosmonaut? Turns out, the answer isn’t as simple as you might think. It kind of depends on who you ask and how you define “spaceflight.”

Now, according to the Space Foundation, if you use the U.S. definition of going higher than 50 miles (80 kilometers), we’re looking at 676 individuals who’ve made the trip as of November 7, 2023. But hold on, there’s another standard! The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), which is like the official record-keeper for air and space, says space starts at 100 kilometers (62 miles) – that’s the Kármán line. By their count, 643 people have reached space. See what I mean about it being a bit complicated?

A Truly Global Feat

What’s truly amazing is that space exploration hasn’t been a solo act. It’s been a team effort involving folks from 47 countries! Sure, the United States, Russia, and China can launch people all on their own, which is seriously impressive. But tons of other countries have chipped in, sending their own astronauts on international missions. Think of the European Space Agency, Canada, Japan – the list goes on. It’s a real testament to what we can achieve when we work together.

What Is an Astronaut, Anyway?

Even the term “astronaut” is a bit slippery. Here in the U.S., if you’re a professional, military person, or even someone from a commercial space company, and you go above 50 miles, bam! You get your astronaut wings. The Russians call their space travelers “cosmonauts,” and the Chinese have “taikonauts.” And now, with companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin sending people to space, we’ve got “spaceflight participants” or “spacefarers” – basically, regular folks who’ve paid for a ticket to ride. It’s a whole new world!

Ladies in Space

Let’s not forget the women who’ve broken barriers and soared among the stars! Valentina Tereshkova paved the way way back in 1963 as the first woman in space. And as of April 2025, 105 women have ventured beyond Earth. It’s still a smaller percentage – around 12% of all space travelers – but their numbers are growing, and their contributions are absolutely vital.

More Than Just a Number

So, whether it’s 676, 643, or some other number depending on who you ask, the real point is this: space travel is still a pretty exclusive club. The people who’ve made it there are pioneers, plain and simple. They’re pushing the limits of what humans can do and helping us understand the universe in ways we never thought possible. And that’s something worth celebrating, no matter how you count it.