History

The NASA Astronaut Badge is awarded by each of the United State's military branches to pilots, naval flight officers, navigators/combat systems officers, flight surgeons, and civilian pilots to denote the completion of training and qualifications and the successful performance of spaceflight. The Wings were initially awarded to personnel upon the participation in a spaceflight that reaches 100 kilometres above Earth. In 1960, the Wings were authorized for wear by military and civilian pilots who flew aircraft over 80 kilometres. Currently, the Wings may also be worn by any NASA astronaut selected for the Space Program. The NASA Army Astronaut Badge is issued by the United States Army to army aviators, flight surgeons, and aircrew members who qualify as astronauts after the first successful flight mission. The NASA Army Astronaut Badge is issued in 3 grades.

The Master Wings are awarded as the highest grade.