They aren’t astronauts

[Carnos Jax]

I can’t predict where virgin and blue origins tourist efforts will end up. But I am optimistic that they will have adequate business. The rich are very bored. Both of their systems are 100% reusable. After the rich have their fill, I suspect the price will be lowered to where it will be eventually affordable for mere mortals like us.

[Ombligo]

the rich will line up until something goes wrong and kills the passengers. That will happen at some point.

I wonder how long the liability releases are?

[Carnos Jax]

As long as it is rare, it won’t matter.

[Lux Interior]

FAA order an who is an astronaut:

https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/medi...8800.2.pdf

[Ombligo]

Both Virgin and Blue Origins have their own Astronaut wings independent of NASA.

However NASA Wings could be awarded on an honorary basis to “individuals whose contribution to commercial human space flight merits special recognition,” even if they don’t meet all the regular qualifications. The FAA’s associate administrator for commercial space transportation has the final say.

The only one I would hope gets such recognition is Wally Funk, she has spent a lifetime earning them.