Money

US says Jeff Bezos and Sir Richard Branson aren’t astronauts

Published

5 years ago

July 26, 2021

The US has tightened its definition of the word “astronaut”, and it doesn’t include billionaire space explorers

The US’ New Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has updated its rules to be an astronaut you must be part of a flight crew and make contributions to space flight safety.

This means that officially, billionaire space travellers like Jeff Bezos and Sir Richard Branson may not actually be astronauts despite their trips beyond earth.

The changes come as the first amendment to the FAA Wings programme since it began in 2004. The FAA announced the updates on Tuesday, the same day that Bezos went to the edge of space aboard a Blue Origin rocket.

Richard Branson space flight: should billionaires be going to space? | Ticker VIEWS

How does a billionaire become an astronaut?

In order to qualify as a ‘commercial astronaut’, you must travel 80km above the Earth’s surface – a feat which Branson and Bezos both successfully accomplished.

However, the FAA also says that to be considered an astronaut, space-travellers must also have “demonstrated activities during flight that were essential to public safety, or contributed to human space flight safety”.

For the FAA to award a space-traveller their ‘commercial wings’ as an astronaut, they also need someone to nominate them for the position. Americans can also become an astronaut through the US military or NASA.

The FAA says that the changes better align the Wings Scheme with its role in protecting public safety during commercial space flights.

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Natasha Schapova

Natasha is an Associate Producer at ticker NEWS with a Bachelor of arts from Monash University. She has previously worked at Sky News Australia and Monash University as an Online Content Producer.

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Money

AI fears rattle global markets and investors

AI developments cause market volatility, with European software and US tech firms facing significant declines amid rising uncertainty.

Published

12 hours ago

February 16, 2026

Harvey Vargas

AI developments cause market volatility, with European software and US tech firms facing significant declines amid rising uncertainty.

Global stock markets are experiencing heightened volatility as concerns about AI disruption sweep across industries. Investors are closely monitoring which sectors could be most affected as the technology continues to evolve.

Recent announcements from major US AI companies sent waves through international markets, highlighting the interconnected nature of global finance and technology. European software giants such as Dassault Systèmes and RELX saw significant declines, underscoring the global reach of AI developments.

UBS analysts warn that the impact of AI disruption could intensify in 2026 and 2027, with potential ramifications for a wide range of sectors.

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Money

U.S. stocks falling amid AI worries and weak earnings

U.S. stocks decline amid AI concerns, defensive sectors rising; traders eye commodities, jobs data, and currency trends for insights.

Published

3 days ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. stocks decline amid AI concerns, defensive sectors rising; traders eye commodities, jobs data, and currency trends for insights.

U.S. stocks are tumbling as investors grow concerned over AI profitability and disappointing earnings. Defensive sectors are attracting attention ahead of the upcoming CPI report, while market participants are carefully watching how tech-heavy AI stocks are influencing broader indices. Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX notes that these factors are shaping market sentiment.

For traders, commodities like gold and oil are also playing a role in sentiment, providing hedges amid market uncertainty. The January jobs report and unemployment data are adding further context, with potential implications for Federal Reserve policy.

Market expectations for rate cuts are shifting as investors weigh economic indicators against global market dynamics. Traders are also eyeing currency movements, including the Australian Dollar and Japanese yen, for signs of broader economic trends.

Money

Wall Street tumbles as tech stocks face AI disruption fears

Wall Street falters as tech stocks dive amid AI anxieties; 2026 seen as critical for proving AI investment returns.

Published

3 days ago

February 13, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Wall Street falters as tech stocks dive amid AI anxieties; 2026 seen as critical for proving AI investment returns.

Wall Street took a sharp hit as tech stocks plummeted amid growing investor anxiety over artificial intelligence. Markets reacted strongly to uncertainty about how AI could disrupt major sectors, leaving investors on edge. Kyle Rodda from Capital.com explains why investors are nervous about what’s ahead.

Cisco Systems’ quarterly results added to the market jitters, while defensive sectors gained attention as investors sought safer bets. Analysts describe 2026 as a ‘prove it’ year for AI, with companies needing to demonstrate real returns on their ambitious investments.

The January Consumer Price Index report and rising concerns over AI’s impact on transportation companies further weighed on sentiment. Investors are now closely watching major tech firms for signals on how AI spending will shape future market performance.

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