Can't comment on this as I have an NDA and great respect for the engineers involved. Just wanted to say thanks for cutting through the cultural clutter to give an earnest assessment of the term 'astronaut.'
Space tourism has been happening for decades now. Just ask Dennis Tito, Richard Garriott or Charles Simonyi. Nothing in standard definitions mentions orbital velocity either. Could communications on the event been messaged better? Sure. It's also gross that after several previous human flights, it's the all-women mission that gets all the pressure.
Thanks, T.S. (And whatever you were working on per your NDA, it seems cool and I am jealous). Yeah, the political reaction some had to this event in part seemed like cover to just be spiteful towards women. It's a stupid fight. When anyone does anything to advance America and peaceful exploration into space, it's worth celebrating. Whether it be NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, or heck, even our allies like the ESA, we should be cheering it. I hope someone young saw this or any other bit of space news and decided to look into a space career.
Nah. They were tourists, just like Bill Shatner was (God bless him, but he’s no astronaut.)
Don’t feel too bad, there were times when I thought the same about the crews of the shuttles. In the end, they became glorified space truckers. They got the job done, but it became routine. Launch a shuttle, carry out a mission, put a payload in orbit, land, refuel the rockets, attach the boosters, launch another one. I watched every NASA Mission, but even they treated it like it was just a job.
Blue Origin is desperate. SpaceX isn't just beating them, it's in a different league. All BO can do right now is publicity stunts like Shatner. But, I hope this inspires others and reminds SpaceX that it always needs to be innovating. No one wants BO to eventually catch up to them. Let the Space Race 2.0 continue! (We'll enjoy the popcorn as the others scramble).
Can't comment on this as I have an NDA and great respect for the engineers involved. Just wanted to say thanks for cutting through the cultural clutter to give an earnest assessment of the term 'astronaut.'
Space tourism has been happening for decades now. Just ask Dennis Tito, Richard Garriott or Charles Simonyi. Nothing in standard definitions mentions orbital velocity either. Could communications on the event been messaged better? Sure. It's also gross that after several previous human flights, it's the all-women mission that gets all the pressure.
Just my $0.02 Cheers
Thanks, T.S. (And whatever you were working on per your NDA, it seems cool and I am jealous). Yeah, the political reaction some had to this event in part seemed like cover to just be spiteful towards women. It's a stupid fight. When anyone does anything to advance America and peaceful exploration into space, it's worth celebrating. Whether it be NASA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, or heck, even our allies like the ESA, we should be cheering it. I hope someone young saw this or any other bit of space news and decided to look into a space career.
Nah. They were tourists, just like Bill Shatner was (God bless him, but he’s no astronaut.)
Don’t feel too bad, there were times when I thought the same about the crews of the shuttles. In the end, they became glorified space truckers. They got the job done, but it became routine. Launch a shuttle, carry out a mission, put a payload in orbit, land, refuel the rockets, attach the boosters, launch another one. I watched every NASA Mission, but even they treated it like it was just a job.
I do agree that space has become routine, and that's awesome. I want more space activity! And, yes, God bless William Shatner.
I certainly agree they are astronauts. If given the opportunity, would you go on a sub orbital flight or the ISS?
In a heartbeat I would say "Yes!" How about yourself?
I have barely been on commercial flights and so a out of earth flight would be super new to me.
I would have to ask for some training of body and mind first NGL
Probably a good thing for me to ask for, too. Ha!
Haha yes.
They're as much astronauts as I am a sailor for taking the ferry from Java to Bali.
I'm thrilled because this whole debate just goes to show how much easier it is to go into space now.
True, lol. I just wish this is done without the whole feminist business. But I guess it does draw in attention even if it's for all the wrong reason.
Blue Origin is desperate. SpaceX isn't just beating them, it's in a different league. All BO can do right now is publicity stunts like Shatner. But, I hope this inspires others and reminds SpaceX that it always needs to be innovating. No one wants BO to eventually catch up to them. Let the Space Race 2.0 continue! (We'll enjoy the popcorn as the others scramble).