What key distinction concerning passengers is influencing the FAA's review of the astronaut wing criteria?

Answer

Handling the growing number of paying space tourists versus career astronauts requiring years of training

A significant underlying issue prompting the FAA's policy review concerns the changing demographics of space travelers in the commercial sector. The historical weight of the 'astronaut' title is deeply tied to career professionals, such as those trained by NASA, who undergo years of rigorous preparation for orbital missions. The rapid rise of wealthy individuals paying for brief suborbital trips forces a re-evaluation of what experience warrants this honorific title. The review panel must decide if granting wings simply upon crossing 50 or 62 miles cheapens the distinction when compared to career achievements, potentially requiring a higher bar, such as multi-day orbital flights, for future recipients.

What key distinction concerning passengers is influencing the FAA's review of the astronaut wing criteria?

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