After Blue Origin declared its passengers astronauts, a potential clash with the FAA revealed a stark distinction between being a “space traveler” and earning the coveted “astronaut” title.
At a Glance
- Blue Origin launched an all-female crew, including celebrities Katy Perry and Lauren Sanchez, beyond the Kármán line.
- The FAA does not recognize these passengers as astronauts due to non-involvement in flight operations.
- The mission aimed to inspire women in space endeavors but faced criticism for its luxury-centric focus.
- Passengers are considered “space travelers,” highlighting the FAA’s tightened recognition standards.
- The New Shepard spacecraft operated autonomously, precluding astronauts’ qualifying tasks.
Blue Origin’s All-Female Crew Launched
On April 15, 2025, Blue Origin propelled an all-female crew, including celebrities Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sanchez, beyond the edge of space. Their mission was part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard program, marking its 11th human spaceflight and the first all-female crew since 1963. The event was attended by notable figures such as Orlando Bloom, Oprah, Kris Jenner, and Khloe Kardashian. Despite this remarkable journey, the knee-jerk branding of these space tourists as astronauts has sparked heated discussions.
Watch video coverage of the flight!
Blue Origin’s mission sought to inspire women and promote the burgeoning space tourism sector. Yet, the FAA does not recognize the trip’s participants as astronauts, emphasizing that recognition requires performing significant operational tasks during flight. Autonomous operations of the New Shepard spacecraft meant passengers could not engage in qualifying activities, rendering official astronaut status elusive.
Mars Next and “All of the Above”
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Rick Tumlinson December 13, 2024As the next administration takes shape, countless voices are vying for influence over the future of America’s space program. I’d wager one in particular — someone apparently very close to the… pic.twitter.com/uyFIvXqOLW
— Rick N. Tumlinson (@RocketRick) December 13, 2024
FAA vs. Blue Origin: A Principle Debate
Following the flight, Blue Origin declared its crew members astronauts, prompting the FAA to reiterate its stance on the matter. The FAA currently limits official astronaut recognition to those making significant contributions to public and human space flight safety. Since the New Shepard spacecraft is designed for space tourism and operates autonomously, it prevents passengers from participating in essential functions, hence the FAA’s firm position.
“It’s about making space for future women and taking up space and belonging. And it’s about this wonderful world that we see right out there and appreciating it. This is all for the benefit of Earth.” – Katy Perry
The FAA’s Commercial Space Astronaut Wings Program, which initially granted status to anyone traveling above 50 miles, revised its criteria in 2021. The changes now require demonstration of safety-critical activities to qualify as an astronaut. As commercial human spaceflight becomes commonplace, the FAA is transitioning from awarding astronaut wings to maintaining a Human Spaceflight Recognition list.
— High Impact (@highimpactnews) November 14, 2024
Inspiration Vs. Publicity Stunt
Despite criticism that it caters to the wealthy, participants highlighted the inspirational value of the mission, sharing stories of empowerment. Critics, however, argue that private spaceflights detract from the achievements and safety milestones of traditional astronauts. As Blue Origin advances in commercial space travel, the debate over who qualifies as an “astronaut” reflects the divide between consumer space tourism and the recognition of true space pioneers.ers.
