SpaceX's Inspiration 4 crew soared into orbit, but that doesn't mean they get a pair of astronaut wings just yet
Astronaut wings may symbolize recognition in the space community, but as private companies vie for space tourism sales, they've become a ubiquitous emblem on platforms like Alien-Twitter.
However, SpaceX faces a challenge – according to two current FAA officials, the agency views the four individuals aboard as "spaceflight participants" rather than "crew members" in its Inspiration 4 mission license application. SpaceX declined to comment.
The FAA's updated qualifications, which marked a shift for the first time in 17 years on the day of Jeff Bezos' flight, stipulate that only those who fly at least 50 miles from Earth and demonstrate significant in-flight activities that significantly impact public safety or contribute to safe manned space travel are eligible for Commercial Space Astronaut Wings.
The Inspiration 4 crew underwent nearly six months of rigorous training to spend three days in the fully autonomous Crew Dragon capsule. The spacecraft will reach a height of 357 miles above Earth, while the International Space Station orbits the Earth at an average height of about 250 miles.
A FAA official told CNN that "No one gets a guarantee of wings." The agency has yet to make a decision due to a lack of requirement.
SpaceX can only nominate the crew for commercial astronaut wings after their return to Earth. While the updated FAA qualifications prevent "spaceflight participants" from earning regular astronaut wings, they can be considered for this honorary mention.
The FAA describes these tributes as reserved for "people whose contributions to commercial spaceflight deserve special recognition." Wayne Monteith, the FAA's commercial space transportation deputy administrator, has full discretion in granting this honor.
Michael López-Alegría, a former NASA astronaut who trains for the leadership of the first private ISS mission, considers anyone who flies more than 50 miles in the United States as an astronaut.
"I think it's up to the FAA to determine whether they are commercial astronauts. But I have to question whether it aligns with their charter to boost, encourage, and support the industry by not doing so," Lopez-Alegria said.
"I thought an honorable mention would be good enough? No, but it's better than nothing," he added. "I've earned an honorary doctorate, but it's definitely a step back."
Astronaut wings were initially issued by the U.S. military to Mercury-7 astronauts in the early 1960s. From Apollo missions to present-day NASA astronauts, they've become a powerful rite of passage for astronauts who've ventured into space. In 2004, the FAA established the Commercial Astronaut Wings Program after SpaceShipOne, the first private spacecraft, reached space.
Today, as the U.S. commercial space tourism industry booms, the possibility of receiving government-issued commercial astronaut wings has become a selling point for private space travel companies. However, Lopez-Alegría believes the industry and media have become too preoccupied with labels and names.
"It's a very positive thing that non-governmental organizations begin to regularly fly to space, marking a real turning point in the curve of manned spaceflight," Lopez-Alegria said. "But we'll be so concerned about the name and title."
