How does the US define space above 50 miles for this flight?

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US Definition of Space Exceeds 50 Miles Altitude

The United States defines space as any area above an altitude of 50 miles. Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo achieved this threshold yesterday, reaching an altitude of 55.87 miles (89.9 kilometres) during its flight from California's Mojave desert. This flight marked a significant milestone as it carried a passenger for the first time, in addition to the two pilots.
Virgin Galactic's Recent Altitude Achievement

On this particular flight, SpaceShipTwo ascended to an altitude of 55.87 miles, surpassing the 50-mile mark that the US designates as the boundary of space. The spacecraft travelled at Mach 3 during its ascent before landing safely back at the Mojave spaceport. This achievement follows a previous flight in December, when the Virgin craft first exceeded 50 miles, reaching an altitude of 50.9 miles.
Passenger Inclusion in Test Flights

For the first time, Friday's flight included a passenger, Beth Moses, who is responsible for training future space tourists at Virgin Galactic. The SpaceShipTwo is designed to accommodate six passengers, and its development has experienced delays, partly due to a fatal accident in 2014. The company's founder, Richard Branson, has expressed hopes of joining a flight himself by July.
Comparison with International Standards

While the US defines space starting at 50 miles, the internationally recognized boundary known as the Karman Line is set at 62 miles (100 kilometres). Virgin Galactic's spacecraft has not yet crossed this higher, internationally accepted boundary. This distinction is important when comparing Virgin Galactic's achievements with those of competitors like Blue Origin, whose New Shepard vehicle has flown above the Karman Line, though not yet with passengers.

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How does the US define space above 50 miles for this flight?

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