Space Tourism: Redefining the Term 'Astronaut'
The recent all-women spaceflight on Blue Origin reignites the debate on who qualifies as an 'astronaut'. While definitions vary, the Kármán line often represents the boundary of space. This has implications for space law and the responsibilities of space travelers. Social and legal dimensions are under scrutiny.
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The all-women spaceflight aboard Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin has sparked a renewed debate about the qualifications required to be designated an 'astronaut'. Notably, U.S. transport secretary Sean Duffy dismissed such titles for attendees like Katy Perry and Gayle King, claiming they did not meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) criteria.
Historically, the status of astronauts was first questioned during the celebrity suborbital flights of 2021. The Kármán line, at 62.1 miles, symbolizes a debated boundary of space, acclaimed by some and dismissed by others.
As commercial space flights continue, legal and social implications of classifying space travelers surface. The definition of 'astronaut' extends beyond mere terminology, affecting the accountability of passengers and companies like Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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