Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

"A New Shepard engineer just used the phrase 'professional astronauts' which is a fascinating new construction.

"One of the things that bothers me is calling these passengers 'astronauts.' Spacefarers, yes. I've felt like astronaut ought to be an earned term.

"To me, an astronaut is someone who is engaged in space exploration, and science, as part of public service. Are they paid? Yes. Do they have to be flown?

"According to NASA, after completing three years of astronaut training, you're an astronaut.

"But not a 'flown astronaut.'

"This has been consistent from the beginning. It wasn't crossing the threshold of space that gave you that title, it was the years of training and the purpose that did.

"So, you'll hear me talking about these folks as spacefarers.

"Except Wally Funk, who is a goddamned astronaut.

[...]

"Part of why I can't get mad about any of the passengers choosing to go is because I would go if someone offered me the option.

"I can get salty about the selection process and the gatekeeping. But not about choosing to go.

"(Still not astronauts. Except Wally)"

-- Mary Robinette Kowal (MaryRobinette), 2021-07-20

[As I remarked elsewhere yesterday, I would love to go to space, but if I merely bought a ticket or got invited as an artist or something, then despite childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut, it wouldn't occur to me to call myself anything more than a passenger. Anyhow, a bunch of interesting observations in the thread I quoted from.]