"Major Tom" is a fictional character created by British musician David Bowie. He first appeared in the song "Space Oddity" released in 1969. The character is an astronaut who becomes disconnected from Earth during a space mission, symbolizing themes of isolation and existential exploration. Over the years, Major Tom has been referenced in various songs and media, becoming an iconic figure in popular culture. He reappears in other Bowie tracks, such as "Ashes to Ashes" and "Hallo Spaceboy," further cementing his legacy as a representation of the human experience in the vastness of space.