The Most Famous NASA Scientist: Recognizing Contributions and Impact

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

Jun 16, 2023 10:18 (Updated on Dec 5, 2023 11:16)

Welcome to StrawPoll, where your opinion matters! Are you ready to join the ranks of space enthusiasts and help us determine the most famous NASA scientist of all time? From groundbreaking visionaries to brilliant minds that have propelled us into the cosmos, our ranking showcases an elite group of NASA's brightest stars. Now, it's your turn to step up and cast your vote or even suggest a missing luminary in this celestial showdown! Embark on this thrilling journey with us as we navigate through the vast expanse of human ingenuity and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of these scientific trailblazers. So, buckle up and prepare for liftoff as you dive into this cosmic quest and play a part in crowning the ultimate champion in the annals of NASA's history!

Who Is the Most Famous NASA Scientist?

1

32
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Neil Armstrong

He is considered one of the most famous NASA scientists because he became the first person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969.
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 astronaut
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Aeronautical Engineer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous pioneer
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Scout
2

19
votes
NASA · Public domain

Stephen Hawking

Although he was not a NASA scientist, his work on black holes, relativity, and the universe had a significant impact on NASA's research in these fields.
Stephen Hawking in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous astrophysicist
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous cosmologist
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous PhDs
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Atheist
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous Brit
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous astronomer of all time
3

18
votes
NASA · Public domain

Katherine Johnson

Katherine Johnson

She was a mathematician who worked for NASA and was one of the key individuals responsible for calculating the trajectory of the Apollo 11 mission.
Description

Katherine Johnson was a renowned mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to the field of space exploration. She was known for her exceptional mathematical abilities and played a crucial role in calculating trajectories for numerous space missions, including the Apollo program. Johnson's work at NASA helped propel the United States into space and she was recognized as one of the most important figures in the success of early space missions.

Field: Mathematics and Physics

Contributions: Space exploration, trajectory calculations

Agency: NASA

Notable Projects: Apollo program

Achievements: Presidential Medal of Freedom, NASA Langley Research Center's Computational Research Facility named in her honor
Katherine Johnson in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous black female scientist
- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful scientist
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous African-American scientist
4

11
votes
NASA · Public domain

Buzz Aldrin

He was the second person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission and has since become an advocate for space exploration and research.
Buzz Aldrin in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous astronaut
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Air Force pilot
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous Freemason
5

10
votes
NASA/JPL · Public domain

Carl Sagan

He was a scientist and author who worked with NASA on numerous projects, including the Viking missions to Mars and the Voyager missions to the outer solar system.
Carl Sagan in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous astrophysicist
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous cosmologist
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous astronomer of all time
6

11
votes
NASA; retouched by Adam Cuerden (edited to remove dust and scratches) · Public domain

Sally Ride

She was the first American woman in space and later worked for NASA as a physicist and astronaut trainer.
Sally Ride in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous astronaut
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous female aviator
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Girl Scout
7

10
votes

Edwin "Buzz" Scholz

He was a scientist and astronomer who helped discover the first known interstellar object, 'Oumuamua.
8

10
votes

NASA · Public domain

Jim Lovell

He was an astronaut who flew on the Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 missions and later served as NASA's deputy director.
9

8
votes
NASA on The Commons · No restrictions

Ellen Ochoa

She was the first Hispanic woman to go to space and later became the director of NASA's Johnson Space Center.
Ellen Ochoa in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Hispanic scientist
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous female inventor
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous black female scientist
10

9
votes
NASA · Public domain

Robert Goddard

He was a physicist and inventor who is considered the father of modern rocketry and helped pave the way for NASA's space exploration programs.
Robert Goddard in other rankings
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Aeronautical Engineer

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Ranking factors for famous scientist

Contributions to scientific discovery

The scientist's contributions to advancing scientific knowledge and understanding, especially within the field of space exploration and aeronautics.
Impact on space missions

The scientist's involvement in significant space missions and their contribution to the success and advancement of NASA's goals and objectives.
Publications and research

The scientist's publication record, including the number and quality of scientific papers, journals, and books they have authored or co-authored. This indicates their expertise and influence within the scientific community.
Awards and honors

Recognition received by the scientist, such as prestigious awards, medals, or membership in renowned scientific societies, which highlight their stature and impact in their field.
Public recognition and media presence

The scientist's visibility and recognition in the public eye, including appearances in media, interviews, popular books, documentaries, and public speaking engagements. This indicates their ability to effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to the broader public.
Leadership and institutional influence

Leadership roles held within NASA or other scientific institutions, as well as their influence on shaping policies, strategies, and direction within the organization.
Longevity and sustained impact

The scientist's overall career trajectory and lasting impact on the scientific community and NASA's mission, including ongoing contributions to research and mentoring future generations of scientists.

About this ranking

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

Statistics

1078 views
138 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More information on most famous nasa scientist

When it comes to the field of space exploration, NASA scientists are some of the most influential figures in history. From the early days of the Apollo missions to the current advancements in space technology, these individuals have dedicated their lives to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge and exploration. But who is the most famous NASA scientist of all time? That's a question that has sparked much debate and discussion among space enthusiasts and casual observers alike. Some might say it's Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. Others might argue for Carl Sagan, the renowned astronomer and science communicator who played a key role in the Voyager missions. However, when it comes down to it, there's one name that stands out above the rest: Dr. Stephen Hawking. While Hawking may not have worked directly for NASA, his groundbreaking work in theoretical physics and cosmology has had a profound impact on our understanding of the universe and the role of space exploration in our lives. From his groundbreaking theories on black holes and the origins of the universe to his popular science books and countless public appearances, Hawking has become one of the most recognizable figures in science and a true icon of space exploration. Whether you're a diehard space enthusiast or simply curious about the mysteries of the cosmos, there's no denying the impact that Dr. Stephen Hawking has had on our understanding of the universe and our place within it.