Upon return, the passengers will celebrate and receive their astronaut wings.

The Federal Aviation Administration presented Melvill with astronaut wings in a ceremony at 10:22, two hours after landing.

Engle was the only shuttle pilot who had prior hypersonic flight experience, having earned his astronaut wings flying the X-15 rocket plane.

Ms. Smith presented Mr. Melvill with astronaut wings after the flight.

After the flight, Ms. Blakey presented Mr. Binnie with astronaut wings.

At graduation ceremonies, Chelsea, 13, was presented with astronaut wings, and her team of a dozen other campers won an award for "best mission."

Eight of the X-15 pilots flew into space (above 60 miles) to earn their astronaut wings.

Which raises the question: Will the passengers also qualify for astronaut wings?

Why, then, does everyone who flies on the space shuttle receive astronaut wings, even though only two people pilot each mission?

Once the passengers return, their passports will receive a spaceflight stamp and they will be awarded their astronaut wings at an awards ceremony.