What suggested terms are used for private individuals flying on suborbital commercial vehicles?
Answer
Spaceflight Participants or Customers
The rise of commercial spaceflight, particularly suborbital flights offered by companies like Virgin Galactic, has complicated space nomenclature for paying private individuals. Until these travelers meet the recognized threshold for official astronaut status, discussions suggest several less formal designations. The terms Spaceflight Participants or simply Customers are often suggested or used in these contexts. These labels differentiate them from career astronauts who fly as representatives for government agencies or scientific bodies, reflecting their primary purpose for being on board: paying for the ride rather than executing operational mission objectives.
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