Commercial Space Astronaut Wings Program

The United States recently announced that it will no longer issue astronaut Wings For commercial space crafts. Astronaut Wings are provided to those individuals and flight crews who have successfully completed training and performed a successful space flight.

What is commercial space Astronaut Wings program?

It was launched under the commercial space launch act of 1984. The program was designed to recognise the flight crews and the individuals who helped the federal aviation administration missions. These missions promoted the space vehicles that carried humans to space.

How to get an astronaut wing?

In order to get an astronaut wing, the person should meet the requirements of flight crew training and qualifications. He should have successfully demonstrated his flight 50 miles beyond the surface of the earth. He should have also demonstrated flight activities that are essential to public safety during his flight.

Why is FAA ending the commercial space astronaut wings program?

• The FAA (Federation Aviation Administration) is to recognise the individuals reaching space in its website instead of issuing commercial space astronaut wings. Any individual who has the FAA license and has reached 50 miles above the surface of the earth will be listed on the site.
• Also, the access to space has become easier with companies such as Blue Origin, SpaceX and Virgin Galactic are providing flights to non – astronauts at heavy cost.

Who is a Commercial Astronaut? How is he different from a non – government astronaut?

The commercial astronaut is the person who serves as a crew member of a privately funded spacecraft. He is different from a non – government astronaut. The FAA has never issued a commercial astronaut certificate. In simple words, the commercial astronaut is that person whose skills, training and education is funded by NASA or government. His skills and training are sold to a private party. Such person is called commercial astronaut. On the other hand, there is no connection between the government agencies and a non – government astronaut. He is completely funded by the private organizations.