How Many People Are in Space Right Now?

With the retirement of the Space Shuttle Program, it may seem like space travel is becoming a thing of the past.

However, as technology advances, the opposite is likely true, and more and more people will be making their way into orbit. So far, only a fortunate few have had the opportunity to experience space firsthand, but who knows what the future holds. So, how many people are in space right now?

How Many People Are in Space Right Now

The answer to this question is the same as who is on the ISS right now. And that is the crew of expedition 67: Sergei Korsakov, Oleg Artemyev, Denis Matveev, Kjell Lindgren, Robert Hines, Jessica Watkins, and Samantha Cristoforett.

They are studying human immune system functions and doing biopolymer research for this mission’s objectives, which include learning more about how we respond physically in spaceflight conditions. The astronauts in space right now on the ISS are also studying how our bodies will react to specific medical procedures done in zero gravity, such as suturing. This is important so that we can see how our bodies will heal in weightlessness for missions that could take years to finish. 

How Many People Have Been on the ISS

So now that we know who is in space right now, how many people have been to the ISS since it launched in 1998? Well, since the first inhabitants moved in on November 2nd, 2000, a total of 258 people from 20 countries have visited the International Space Station. 

First People on the ISS

Russian Cosmonauts Sergei Krikalev and Yuri Gidzenko and American Astronaut Bill Shepherd were the first people to live on the International Space Station. They arrived on November 2nd, 2000, and stayed for four months, making sure that the International Space station was fully operational. Since then, there have been many more crews of varying sizes – but the crew is always at least two people in the International Space Station so that there is always someone to assist in case of an emergency.

First Woman on the ISS

The first woman to live on the ISS was NASA astronaut Susan Helms, and she was stationed aboard the ISS in 2001. Since then, many other women have had the opportunity to call the ISS home.

How Long Do People Stay on the ISS

The average time for humans to stay in the International Space Station is around six months, although some have stayed for as long as a year. The longest single spaceflight is 355 days, while the longest time across multiple missions spent working and living in space is 665 days.

How Many People Have Been to Space

The number is estimated to be around 553 – although it’s hard to say for sure, as some countries don’t release their data. 

Who Was the First Man in Space

The first man in space was cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin, who launched on April 12th, 1961. He orbited the Earth for 108 minutes before returning safely to Earth. His experience was much different from the experiences of the people in space right now. Furthermore, their accomplishments paved the way for the people that followed in their footsteps.

First American in Space 

The first American in space was Alan Shepard, who launched on May 5th, 1961. He didn’t actually achieve orbit, but he did reach an altitude of 116 miles – which is pretty impressive!

Who Was the First Woman in Space

The first woman in space was Valentina Tereshkova, who launched on June 16th, 1963. She spent almost three days in space, she later became a test pilot and instructor for the next generation of cosmonauts. 

First American Woman in Space

The first American woman in space was Sally Ride, who launched on June 18th, 1983. She spent more than six days in space launching two commercial satellites.

Who Was the First Man on the Moon

The first man on the Moon was Neil Armstrong, who famously uttered the phrase “one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind” as he became the first human being to set foot on another world. He was followed by Buzz Aldrin, whose first words after exiting the 2900-ton rocket were “Beautiful view.”

Who Was the First Woman on the Moon

Unfortunately, we can’t say that a woman ever walked on the Moon. However, this means that that record is up for the taking of any woman on any astronaut crew whose mission may take them to the Moon.

What’s Happening in Space Right Now

With NASA’s plans to crash the ISS, there have been a lot of questions about what is next in line for space exploration and experimentation. While plans to send NASA astronauts to Mars and beyond are still in the works, let’s look at some other projects happening with other satellites in space right now.

James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope is a large infrared telescope that was launched on December 25th, 2021. It is designed to study the early Universe and observe the formation of stars and galaxies. There were a couple of setbacks with its launch, but the JWST is now set to release its first official images on July 12th, 2022. 

Another unfortunate thing that has occurred to the JWST on its journey to its final destination is that one of the mirrors of the telescope was impacted by a small meteorite. Fortunately, while the damage is visible on the images it will take, NASA put out a statement that the JWST is operating at higher than expected levels. 

Parker Solar Probe

The Parker Solar Probe is a spacecraft that was launched on August 12th, 2018. Its mission is to study the Sun’s corona and its effects on the solar wind. The PSP will be orbiting the Sun at a distance of 4 million miles to study solar wind formation directly. Named after Dr. Eugene Parker, who first theorized the existence of solar wind, this satellite was built using special materials and technology that allow it to endure the heat and radiation of the Sun.

Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite is a spacecraft that was launched on April 18th, 2018. Its mission is to find new planets outside of our solar system. TESS will be surveying 200,000 of the brightest stars near our solar system and searching for planets that show signs of life.

Hubble Space Telescope

The Hubble Space Telescope is a large telescope that was launched in 1990. Its mission is to observe distant objects in the Universe. Hubble’s detectable range is from ultraviolet to visible light, and it has been instrumental in making discoveries in the 32 years it has been active. Over the course of its life, Hubble has made over 1.5 million observations and has given us a beautiful view of the Galaxy and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• The first American astronaut woman in space was Sally Ride, who launched on June 18th, 1983.
• The first NASA astronaut to take steps on another planet in space was Neil Armstrong, who became the first human being to set foot on the Moon.
• The James Webb Space Telescope is designed to study the early Universe and observe the formation of stars and galaxies.
• The Parker Solar Probe’s mission is to study the Sun’s corona and its effects on the solar wind.
• The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite is a spacecraft that will be surveying stars to find other planets that may support life.

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