2 ms·

This is borderline “a difference without a distinction”. NASA and the military have a very cozy relationship. NASA was partially a solution to a political probl

This is borderline “a difference without a distinction”. NASA and the military have a very cozy relationship. NASA was partially a solution to a political problem. Sure astronauts are on “detached duty” but I doubt the astronauts would agree they are not military people. This flight of all truly “civilians” does seem different. It is meaningful.

sandworm101 6y ago
It's spaceflight, rocket technology. I dont see any organization launching such massive rockets without substanial military ties. SpaceX lauches spy satalites all the time and employs lots of x-military people but i dont call it any more military than nasa (nasa is not currently handling any military projects). If we really want to draw legal lines, the US still has selective service in place. Any American males on this flight are subject to it, giving them a small tie to the US military in that they has registered as potential recruits. They have a number and a card somewhere. The fact that someone is x-military does not mean they are never again a civilian. Being drafted doesnt mean you are soldier forever. Lots of all x-military flights have happened.