The iconic image of NASA astronauts driving Chevrolet Corvettes is more than just a cool snapshot of American history—it’s a symbol of the unique bond between two icons of performance and exploration.

In the early days of the space program, NASA astronauts were seen as the epitome of cool, calm, under-pressure explorers—and what better to pair with that image than a sports car that embodied similar characteristics? The story began with Alan Shepard, who after becoming the first American in space in 1961, was gifted a white 1962 Chevrolet Corvette by General Motors’ CEO at the time. This kicked off a tradition that saw many astronauts becoming Corvette owners.

The relationship between Corvettes and astronauts wasn’t just about luxury or status. It was also practical. Astronauts needed to train their reflexes and stay sharp, and driving a high-performance car like the Corvette was one way to do that. Furthermore, Jim Rathmann, a former Indy 500 winner who owned a Chevrolet-Cadillac dealership near Cape Canaveral in Florida, struck up friendships with many astronauts. He famously leased Corvettes to astronauts for just $1 a year under a special program, reinforcing the bond between America’s space heroes and this classic sports car.

As each mission captured public attention, so did the cars associated with these brave spacemen. Some of the most notable pairings included Gus Grissom and his second Corvette, a unique 1967 coupe painted in a patriotic red/white/blue color scheme; this car was specially modified for Grissom by Chevrolet with a “Gus’s Gus” logo on the side. Then there was Apollo 12’s all-Corvette crew, who ordered identical 427 Stingray coupes but in different colors—Alan Bean’s was red, Dick Gordon’s was gold and Pete Conrad’s was black.

Over time, the cars became more than just vehicles; they were extensions of the astronauts’ personalities and their extraordinary careers. They represented innovation, technology, speed, and an unwavering spirit—qualities inherent to both Chevy Corvettes and NASA missions.

The Corvette-astronaut connection continues today with modern spacefarers choosing to maintain ties with this storied automotive legacy. While vehicles used by astronauts have diversified over time, nothing quite captures the combination of American ingenuity and daredevil spirit like a NASA astronaut behind the wheel of a Corvette—a tradition that is both nostalgic and continuously evolving. Whether traversing outer space or hugging corners on tarmac here on Earth, NASA astronauts have shown an affinity for commanding complex machines at incredible speeds—a trait perfectly complemented by Chevrolet Corvettes through the years.