The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) introduced new rules for the commercial astronautics program on July 20, 2021, the day Bezos went into space aboard Blue Origin.
According to the new rules, in order to qualify for the title of commercial astronaut, a candidate must fly at least 80 km above the Earth, this condition was fulfilled by both Bezos and Branson.
Also, a potential candidate must “demonstrate during the flight actions necessary for public safety, or contributing to the safety of human space flight.”
FAA officials determine which actions are to be taken.