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

Published

3 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

What to expect for IPO markets

Published

8 hours ago

September 13, 2024

ticker NEWS

With high interest rates and geopolitical uncertainty–what’s in store for IPO markets?

As the second half of 2024 begins, the IPO market is poised for a potential rebound after a sluggish start to the year.

With improving economic conditions and renewed investor confidence, more companies seem to be considering going public, creating market optimism.

However, challenges such as inflation and geopolitical uncertainties remain key factors to watch.

Dean Quiambao, a partner at Armanino joins Veronica Dudo to discuss what experts are predicting for the IPO landscape in the coming months and how businesses are positioning themselves for success.

#IN AMERICA TODAY #trending #IPO #IPOmarkets #ratecuts

Money

ASX positioned for strong start after positive stock rebound

Published

3 days ago

September 10, 2024

ticker NEWS

The ASX is set for a solid opening today, bolstered by overnight gains in the banking, commodities, and energy sectors.

Despite these positive movements, analysts are suggesting that the stock rebound and bond decline appear to be technically driven, noting that it may not mark the beginning of a longer-term trend.

Market analyst David Scutt from StoneX joins to discuss the latest market movements. #featured #trending