What was the administrative status of Jeff Bezos's commercial astronaut wings presentation immediately preceding the FAA's announcement of the program pause?
Answer
He had not been formally awarded them yet, as vetting takes time
Although Jeff Bezos successfully completed his suborbital flight on July 20, 2021, and was widely expected to receive his commercial astronaut wings soon after, the formal process had not concluded before the FAA implemented the pause. The text indicates that the vetting and awarding of these physical wings requires time, meaning Bezos had not yet been formally conferred the honor. The subsequent suspension of the program meant that this administrative step, which was still pending for Bezos, was halted for everyone until the regulatory review was complete, leading to the administrative limbo for his recognition.
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