What distinguishes a rocket being merely 'capable' from being formally 'human-rated'?
Answer
Certification that risk thresholds meet standards for human life
The distinction between a vehicle being physically capable of carrying a crew and being formally human-rated is centered on regulatory compliance and quantified risk. A rocket is capable if it has the necessary physical structure, power, and payload volume. However, it achieves human-rated status only when regulatory bodies, such as NASA or the FAA, certify that the probability of a catastrophic failure during ascent falls below incredibly strict risk thresholds established to protect human life. This certification requires substantial investment in documentation, hardware redundancy, and extensive testing that goes beyond basic performance metrics.
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