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An Astronaut Badge is a military decoration of the United States, awarded to military aviation pilots who have completed Astronaut training with NASA and performed a successful space flight. Most such aviators are also former test pilots.
Army and Air Force Badge Upgrades
Each of the military services issues its own version of the Astronaut Badge which comprises a standard Aviator's Badge with an Astronaut Device centered on the badge's center. U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force badges are also issued in three levels, being that of Basic, Senior, and Master. The senior and master levels are indicated by a star and wreath centered above the badge.
A military Astronaut must complete all required training to receive the badge, as well as participate in a space flight more than 50 miles above the Earth. The Federation Aeronautique Internationale defines spaceflight as over 100 km. This definition is followed by all countries except the U.S.
In the Army, a military astronaut may receive a variation of the badge if training was completed but the astronaut never participated in a space mission. In such cases, the Army issues the Army Aviation Badge with Astronaut Device.
U.S. Coast Guard and United States Marine astronauts are issued the Navy Astronaut Badge upon completion of training and participation in a space flight. The Navy also bestows the Naval Flight Officer Astronaut Badge for Naval Flight Officers who are qualified astronauts and serve in support roles on space missions.
Only nine pilots — all but one (Michael Melvill) from the X-15 program — have qualified for the Astronaut Badge by flying an airplane into space. Other people awarded the Astronaut Badge have travelled into space on rocket boosters, rather than in aerodynamic flight.
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