The US has stated that Jeff Bezos and Sir Richard Branson have not become astronauts following their visit in space.
The Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos, and the Virgin Galactic Group founder, Sir Richard Branson, took trips to outer space. Bezos' trip was made using his own Blue Origin New Sheperd rocket, while Branson's trip was made with his Virgin Galactic Unity 22 aircraft.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) however has released new guidelines stating that one trip to space does not qualify one to become an astronaut.
Bezos, Branson may not get official astronaut status after FAA changes policy https://t.co/wuqCGO9jOT pic.twitter.com/yMIuKNPuJJ
— The Hill (@thehill) July 25, 2021
The protocol, which has been applied to FAA's Commercial Space Astronaut Wings Program, clarifies that neither Bezos nor Branson fits the position.
According to the new guidelines:
"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." The richest person in the world right now, Jef Bezos, does not meet the new guidelines, as his flight didn't demonstrate activities "that were essential to public safety, or contributed to human space flight safety."
Jeff Bezos went to the edge of space. Does that make him an astronaut? https://t.co/CGBYFhHP01 pic.twitter.com/YvrnsTuwV1
— SPACE.com (@SPACEdotcom) July 25, 2021
Bob Smith, CEO of Blue Origin, stated earlier:
"There's really nothing for a crew member to go do."
Implying that Bezos' crew's actions made no contributions to human space flight safety.
On the other hand, Branson's trip to outer space stood as a test before allowing customers to use the service the following year. Although Branson does not qualify for being an astronaut himself, the two pilots flying with him do.
There are no words to describe the feeling. This is space travel. This is a dream turned reality https://t.co/Wyzj0nOBgX @VirginGalactic #Unity22 pic.twitter.com/moDvnFfXri
— Richard Branson (@richardbranson) July 12, 2021
Nevertheless, the FAA notes that:
"There could be individuals whose contribution to commercial human space flight merits special recognition."
Meaning that, given the appropriate commercial contribution, both Bezos and Branson could eventually qualify as astronauts.
[h/t: I heart Intelligence]
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