[citation needed] The title was assigned by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet for the outstanding feat of space flight.

[3] The title is a 25mm wide by 23.8mm high convex pentagon with a gilt silver rim.

In the center is an image of the terrestrial globe with the territory of the Soviet Union enamelled in red.

Along the upper left edge of the pentagon above the globe, the gilt relief inscription "PILOT" (Russian: ЛЕТЧИК), along the upper right edge of the pentagon above the globe, the gilt relief inscription "COSMONAUT" (Russian: КОСМОНАВТ), along the bottom edge of the pentagon under the globe, the gilt inscription "USSR" (Russian: СССР), along the left and right lower edges of the pentagon, prominent gilt laurel branches.

[1] The insignia is secured to a standard Russian square mount by a ring through the suspension loop.