The image of a NASA astronaut is one of modern heroism—a figure in a white suit, floating gracefully against the backdrop of Earth, pushing the boundaries of human achievement. From the pioneering flights of Yuri Gagarin and Valentina Tereshkova to the iconic moon landings, the allure of space travel has captivated generations. We see the televised launches, the breathtaking spacewalks, and the triumphant returns.