Posted on 06/02/2004 10:46:44 AM PDT by alnitak
So would whoever flies this get astronaut wings? I suppose not, but that brings on a more general question as civilian space travel opens up: who exactly is an "astronaut"? Will flying for NASA make you an astronaut and Rosaviakosmos a cosmonaut and if you fly privately are you just a space traveler?
I think the term astronaut should probably be reserved for the specific government job, but I believe they've given shuttleworth and tito astronaut wings, so its already becoming a question.
oops, sorry about the double post
Best I recall, Mr Rutan has never had a failure.
Taps the creative juices, does the math, does the physics, applies the aeronautics, does the construction -- and experiences first time, first flight, success.
Quite the American Man!
Yes it is awesome. Thanks.
Well, tomorrow is the big day. Is any cable station going to cover this live? I'm sure most of the news outlets will cut to the launch and recovery, but is anyone planning on being on scene live for the entire duration of the flight?
I think CNN will be, however since I will be at work (UK based) it will be an evening show. In fact I may not see it until tomorrow since England play Croatia in Euro2004 tonight :-)
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