National Policy
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION
SUBJ: FAA Commercial Space Astronaut Wings Program
ORDER 8800.2
Effective date: 07/20/2021
1. Purpose of This Order. This Order provides guidelines, eligibility, and criteria for the administration of the FAA Commercial Space Astronaut Wings Program.
2. Audience. Commercial crew that satisfy eligibility requirements cited in chapter 2 of this Order and the office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST) personnel responsible for administering the program.
3. Where Can I Find This Order. You can find this order on the FAA website at http://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/orders_notices.
4. Background. The Commercial Space Launch Act of 1984, as amended and re-codified at 51 U.S.C. 50901 – 50923 (the Act), authorizes the Department of Transportation (DOT) and, through delegations, the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Office of Commercial Space Transportation (AST), to oversee, authorize, and regulate both launches and reentries of commercial space vehicles, and the operation of launch and reentry sites when carried out by a U.S. citizen or entity within the United States. The Act also directs the FAA to encourage, facilitate, and promote commercial space launches and reentries by the private sector, including those involving spaceflight participants.
5. Eligibility Requirements. To be eligible for FAA Commercial Space Astronaut Wings, commercial launch crewmembers must meet the following criteria:
a. Meet the requirements for flight crew qualifications and training under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 460.
b. Demonstrated flight beyond 50 statute miles above the surface of the Earth as flight crew on an FAA/AST licensed or permitted launch or reentry vehicle.
c. Demonstrated activities during flight that were essential to public safety, or contributed to human space flight safety.
6. Revising Eligibility Requirements. In order to maintain the prestige of Commercial Space Astronaut Wings, the FAA may further refine the eligibility requirements at any time as it deems appropriate. Any updates to the eligibility will be recorded as a revision to this document.
7. Honorary Awards. There could be individuals whose contribution to commercial human space flight merits special recognition. The Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST-1) has total discretion regarding identifying and bestowing FAA honorary award of Commercial Space Astronaut Wings to individuals who demonstrated extraordinary contribution or beneficial service to the commercial human space flight industry. These individuals receiving an honorary award may not be required to satisfy all eligibility requirements. The honorary award can be granted posthumously.
8. Nomination Requirements. A potential crewmember (candidate) to receive Commercial Space Astronaut Wings may be nominated by the following:
a. FAA, DOT, or US Government representative
b. FAA licensed launch and/or reentry vehicle operators The nomination must describe how the candidate satisfies all eligibility requirements. Nominations, and any supporting documentation, must be submitted electronically to: astapplications@faa.gov.
9. Selection Procedure. The Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST-1) or delegate will verify that prospective wing awardees have met the eligibility requirements listed within this document.
a. The Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation (AST-1) shall be the final authority to make the determination that a crewmember is eligible to be awarded the Commercial Space Astronaut Wings. To verify that the crew has satisfied the eligibility requirements and at the discretion of AST-1, additional information or an interview might be required.
b. The FAA will only issue one set of Commercial Space Astronaut Wings per eligible person.
c. The FAA and AST may cancel this program at any time.
10. Issuance of Commercial Astronaut Wings. If the FAA approves a formal presentation, it will contact the crew expected to receive the award or delegated individual/organization to schedule the award presentation. The FAA may choose to arrange a public presentation at a suitable FAA or industry function at its discretion. The FAA does not expect to award Commercial Space Astronaut Wings in-person in all circumstances. If the award is presented inperson, the award potentially could be awarded by the following individuals:
a. Associate Administrator for Commercial Space Transportation, or designated representative
b. Other presenter appointed by the FAA
11. Record of Awards. The recipient’s name, mission, vehicle, maximum altitude, launch location, and flight date will be published on the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation’s website. A copy of the record template is located in Appendix A of this order.
Digitally signed by WAYNE R MONTEITH
Date: 2021.07.20 13:55:09 -04’00’
Wayne R. Monteith
Associate Administrator
Office of Commercial Space Transportation
