Cosmonautics is the science and practice of space travel and exploration. It involves the design, development, and operation of spacecraft and the training of astronauts, known as cosmonauts in Russia. This field encompasses various disciplines, including engineering, physics, and biology, to ensure safe and effective missions beyond Earth. The term is often associated with the achievements of the Soviet Union, which launched the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into space in 1961. Today, cosmonautics continues to evolve with international cooperation, as seen in projects like the International Space Station (ISS), where astronauts from different countries work together to conduct scientific research in microgravity.