What specific altitude standard does the U.S. government use to grant astronaut wings?
Answer
Above 50 miles (80 kilometers)
The formal designation of 'astronaut' wings by the U.S. government is tied to a specific, measurable altitude threshold related to spaceflight. This standard dictates that an individual must fly above 50 miles, which is equivalent to 80 kilometers, to officially earn this recognition for having reached space according to federal criteria. It is important to note that this differs from the internationally recognized boundary of space, the Kármán line, which is set at 100 kilometers, meaning a flight meeting the U.S. standard might not meet the international standard, depending on the precise altitude achieved.
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