NASA says retired astronauts must act as sherpas on private flights to the ISS

NASA will soon require a retired astronaut to serve as mission commander on all private flights to the International Space Station, according to an agency notice posted today. The policy -- which has yet to be finalized -- is intended to both increase passenger safety and reduce any strain on existing ISS operations. The former astronaut would provide "experienced guidance for the private astronauts during pre-flight preparation through mission execution." A number of changes also impact space t...