Trump Official Sparks Controversy: ‘You Can’t Identify as an Astronaut,’ Says Katy Perry and Bezos’ Fiancée

Recently, Sean Duffy, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, stirred up some chatter. He took to X to discuss who truly qualifies as an astronaut. Duffy pointed out that the latest FAA guidelines specify that those flying into space must show they’ve participated in activities vital to public safety or human spaceflight safety. He argued that the recent crew on Blue Origin’s automated flight, while brave, doesn’t meet those astronaut criteria. This raised eyebrows since it contradicted the FAA’s previous stance on defining astronauts.

The FAA has a history with its Commercial Space Astronaut Wings Program, which began in 2004. Initially, it aimed to recognize pilots like Mike Melvill and Brian Binnie for reaching space. Over the years, this program expanded to include private citizens flying with companies like Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin, and SpaceX. If you flew, you received astronaut wings, a straightforward acknowledgment of an incredible experience.

However, the situation changed in December 2021. The FAA decided to stop issuing astronaut wings, stating that starting in 2022, they would simply list anyone who reaches space on their website instead. Now, anyone who goes on an FAA-licensed flight and flies over 50 miles above Earth gets recognized on their site, but no wings.

This shift reflects a broader trend in commercial spaceflight. There’s a growing debate about what it means to be an astronaut, especially as more private companies enter the scene. A 2022 survey by Space.com found that nearly 60% of respondents believe a ‘true astronaut’ must engage in research or scientific work during their flight. This raises questions about the experiences of space tourists versus those trained for rigorous missions.

Social media reactions have been mixed. Some users agree with Duffy, emphasizing the importance of safety and the need for clear definitions. Others argue that the experience of going to space is significant enough to earn the title of astronaut, regardless of formal criteria.

As space tourism evolves, so too will these discussions. We have to consider how technology and commercial interests might shape our understanding of space exploration and what it truly means to be an astronaut.

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