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Since the legal definition of space is 100,000m and upwards, does this mean that whoever rides this thing is considered an astronaut?
Because "Astronaut" implies at least many years of intensive training, a significant intellect and some courage. My Granny (bless her soul) could ride VSS Enterprise to space, but she could never qualify for a ride on a Space Shuttle, Soyuz, or the X-15.Commercial Astronaut. I read an explanation as to why somewhere, but I don't remember where. Buzz also thinks they shouldn't be called just an Astronaut
I think astronauts should be people who have the skills to travel and work in space themselves, and not just be cattle in the trunk... Which would mean the first cosmonauts would have problems...sorry, this definition isn't fair either.
The Official Virgin Galactic Twitter Account said:Excited to hear that VSS Enterprise has just landed after a second successful glide flight in Mojave today.
I would think that if someone was a pilot, scientist, technician, etc, they would be a Commercial Astronaut. However, if someone was simply riding it for recreation, they would be a spaceflight participant.Since the legal definition of space is 100,000m and upwards, does this mean that whoever rides this thing is considered an astronaut?