The Most Famous Astronaut: Ranking the Pioneers of Space Exploration

Voting rules: Choose the Astronaut you think is the most famous!

Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Dec 7, 2023 10:38)

Welcome to StrawPoll's cosmic showdown! Join us as we embark on an interstellar journey to discover the most famous astronaut of all time. With thousands of space enthusiasts and stargazers voting, we've assembled an out-of-this-world lineup of astronauts, from moonwalkers to trailblazers, who've left an indelible mark on human space exploration. Will Neil Armstrong's "giant leap for mankind" secure the top spot, or can Buzz Aldrin or Sally Ride rocket past the competition? Your vote will help us crown the ultimate space hero! So buckle up, engage your thrusters, and cast your vote or suggest a missing cosmic champion, as we blast off to uncover the true celestial icon in this star-studded ranking!

Who Is the Most Famous Astronaut?

1

49
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong is the first person to ever set foot on the moon, making him a household name and a symbol of human achievement in space exploration.
Neil Armstrong in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Armstrong
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Boy Scout
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Aeronautical Engineer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous pioneer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous test pilot
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Scout
2

34
votes
NASA · Public domain

Buzz Aldrin

Buzz Aldrin is the second person to walk on the moon, Aldrin is also a well-known advocate for space exploration and has written several books on the subject.
Buzz Aldrin in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous NASA scientist
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Air Force pilot
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Freemason
3

21
votes
NASA; retouched by Adam Cuerden (edited to remove dust and scratches) · Public domain

Sally Ride

Sally Ride is the first American woman to go into space, Ride was a trailblazer for women in science and has inspired countless young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Sally Ride in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous female aviator
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous NASA scientist
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Girl Scout
4

14
votes

Robert Markowitz · Public domain

Chris Hadfield

Chris Hadfield is a Canadian astronaut who gained international fame for his social media presence during his time on the International Space Station, including his rendition of David Bowie's "Space Oddity."
5

14
votes
Yuri Gagarin

Yuri Gagarin is the first person to ever go into space, Gagarin was a Soviet cosmonaut who paved the way for human spaceflight.
Yuri Gagarin in other rankings
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person in Russia
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous test pilot
6

15
votes
U.S. Senate Historical Office · Public domain

John Glenn

John Glenn is the first American to orbit the Earth, Glenn was also a U.S. Senator and a decorated war veteran.
John Glenn in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Marine
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous pilot
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Ohio
7

4
votes
NASA · Public domain

Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison

Mae Jemison is the first African American woman to go into space, Jemison is also a physician, engineer, and educator who has worked to promote science education and diversity in STEM fields.
Description

Mae Jemison is an astronaut, physician, and engineer who became the first African American woman to travel into space. She is widely recognized for her contributions in promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, and for breaking barriers as a woman of color in the field of space exploration.

First African American Woman in Space: Yes

Profession: Astronaut, Physician, Engineer

Promoter of STEM education: Yes

Gender: Female

Race/Ethnicity: African American
Mae Jemison in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous black female scientist
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous African-American scientist
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous black scientist alive today
- Position 5 of 10 in Most beautiful scientist
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous female scientist
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous female biologist
8

6
votes

NASA · Public domain

Scott Kelly

Scott Kelly is a NASA astronaut who spent a record-breaking year in space aboard the International Space Station, Kelly has become a prominent advocate for space exploration and research.
9

4
votes

NASA · Public domain

Peggy Whitson

Peggy Whitson is a NASA astronaut who holds the record for the most days spent in space by an American astronaut, Whitson has also served as the chief of the NASA astronaut office.
10

5
votes
NASA; restored by Coffeeandcrumbs · Public domain

Michael Collins

Michael Collins is the third astronaut on the Apollo 11 mission, Collins remained in the command module while Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the moon. He is also a former fighter pilot and NASA official.
Michael Collins in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person in Cork
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous person in Dublin
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Notre Dame alumnus
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Air Force pilot

Missing your favorite Astronaut?

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Ranking factors for famous astronaut

Achievements

This factor mainly focuses on an astronaut's accomplishments within the field, such as participating in groundbreaking missions or performing innovative experiments.
Public Awareness

This factor considers an astronaut's level of public recognition and awareness of their work. This can be based on how many media appearances they have made or how well-known they are beyond the scientific community.
Impact on Science

This factor focuses on how an astronaut's work has advanced scientific research and exploration, either through discoveries made during space missions or through innovations brought back to Earth.
Personal Story

This factor includes an astronaut's personal journey and challenges that they may have overcome in their career or their life, as this can help the public to relate to them on a more personal level.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous astronaut. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Astronaut is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1128 views
166 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Astronaut once every 24 hours. The rank of each Astronaut is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous astronaut

In the history of space exploration, there have been many brave astronauts who have ventured beyond the boundaries of our planet. Over the years, these space travelers have captured the imagination of people all over the world with their courage, determination, and pioneering spirit. But who is the most famous astronaut of them all? That's a question that has been debated by space enthusiasts for decades. From Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot on the moon, to Chris Hadfield, the Canadian astronaut who became an internet sensation with his videos from space, there are many contenders for the title of most famous astronaut. So, who do you think deserves this prestigious title? Cast your vote on StrawPoll and let us know!