General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region Forums*snicker* Looks like the FAA just redefined "astronaut" on Tuesday
It's a PDF:
https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/FAA_Order_8800.2.pdf
The important part seems to be this:
5. Eligibility Requirements. To be eligible for FAA Commercial Space Astronaut Wings, commercial launch crewmembers must meet the following criteria:
a. Meet the requirements for flight crew qualifications and training under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 460.
b. Demonstrated flight beyond 50 statute miles above the surface of the Earth as flight crew on an FAA/AST licensed or permitted launch or reentry vehicle.
c. Demonstrated activities during flight that were essential to public safety, or contributed to human space flight safety.
6. Revising Eligibility Requirements. In order to maintain the prestige of Commercial Space Astronaut Wings, the FAA may further refine the eligibility requirements at any time as it deems appropriate. Any updates to the eligibility will be recorded as a revision to this document.
{snip}
In other words, mere passengers don't get astronaut wings any more. So now did Bezos & Company just lose their wings from Tuesday's flight?
Iggo
(47,578 posts)Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin
(108,304 posts)They both went beyond 50 miles. Not sure of the rest.
Sneederbunk
(14,314 posts)ga_girl
(184 posts)Since Virgin Galactic has two pilots, and six passenger seats, I presume the passengers won't qualify for wings. Same with Blue Origin - totally automatic without any essential activities during flight. SpaceX passengers might not qualify since that vehicle is autonomous during flight.
cloudbase
(5,525 posts)particularly regarding free flight instruction.
Their motto: We're not happy until you're not happy.
bluecollar2
(3,622 posts)I had to smile at the motto...
We used to say "Here comes the FAA...They're here to help."
Klaralven
(7,510 posts)The rest are 'visitors".
GregariousGroundhog
(7,526 posts)Of the 243 people to visit the ISS, 234 of them served as flight engineers or as the crew commander.
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/visitors-to-the-station-by-country/
Sneederbunk
(14,314 posts)brooklynite
(94,792 posts)You went in to space
.
You dont need decorations to remember that for the rest of your life.
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)Despicable.
krispos42
(49,445 posts)Obviously, it can't be effective until it's published but I don't know exactly when it was published. Any time after, say, 10:40am would not effect the Blue Origin flight.
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)BannonsLiver
(16,508 posts)Would be giddy with excitement over someone like Wally Funk, who was discriminated against because of her gender, would lose their astronaut status.
Then again, given the way things have been around here lately, maybe its not.