While "space astronomer" isn't a specific job title, the term encompasses scientists who study celestial objects using telescopes and other instruments, often from space. Here are some famous names in astronomy and astrophysics, many of whom have contributed significantly to our understanding of the cosmos:

Historical Figures:

* Galileo Galilei: Pioneer of telescopic observation, challenged the geocentric model of the universe.

* Johannes Kepler: Formulated laws of planetary motion, revolutionizing our understanding of the solar system.

* Isaac Newton: Developed the laws of gravity and motion, laid the foundation for modern physics.

* Edwin Hubble: Discovered the expansion of the universe, established the Hubble constant, a key parameter in cosmology.

Modern Astronomers:

* Vera Rubin: Pioneering work on dark matter, revolutionized our understanding of galaxy dynamics.

* Stephen Hawking: Theoretical physicist who made significant contributions to black holes, cosmology, and quantum gravity.

* Carl Sagan: Prominent science communicator, known for his work on exoplanets and the search for extraterrestrial life.

* Neil deGrasse Tyson: Modern science communicator and advocate for science education, known for his popular science books and TV shows.

* Sally Ride: First American woman in space, contributed to research on the Hubble Space Telescope.

* Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar: Won the Nobel Prize for his work on the evolution of stars.

* Jocelyn Bell Burnell: Discovered pulsars, which revolutionized our understanding of neutron stars.

* Kip Thorne: Theoretical physicist known for his work on black holes and gravitational waves.

* Sandra Faber: Leading figure in observational cosmology, known for her research on galaxy evolution.

This list is just a small sample of the many brilliant scientists who have contributed to our knowledge of the universe.

Remember, the field of astronomy is vast and diverse, with countless dedicated individuals working on exciting research projects. You can find a wealth of information about them and their contributions online and in scientific journals.