FAA decides not to define who qualifies as an astronaut

On April 18, 2025, a flight of the New Shepard spacecraft was conducted with an all-female crew. This flight sparked significant discourse surrounding the definitions of an astronaut and the implications of commercial spaceflight. Historically, the Federal Aviation Administration had recognized astronauts through a program that issued Commercial Space Astronaut Wings, which began in 2004. However, as of 2022, the FAA announced it would cease this practice and instead recognize individuals who reach space on its official website. This shift has fed a longstanding debate over the definition of astronauts, particularly concerning suborbital space tourists. Criticism ensued when a Trump official dismissed claims by those who had flown on private space tourism flights, arguing that they could not identify as astronauts. This speaks to a broader discussion about the value and legitimacy of space tourism and whether it dilutes the achievements of professional astronauts. While opinions vary, many in the space community appear to be accommodating of this evolving perspective on space travel, even if the technical definition remains inconsistent and debated. The events led to a conversation about the nature of achievements in the emergent realm of commercial space travel and its cultural ramifications.