Katy Perry’s space flight with Blue Origin on April 14, 2025, sparked controversy and intrigue as she became part of the historic all-female crew. The mission, lasting just 11 minutes, included Perry, journalist Gayle King, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, researcher Amanda Nguyen, businesswoman Kerianne Flynn, and Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez. While the crew experienced four minutes of weightlessness, their brief journey drew mixed reactions, with some celebrities criticizing the expensive venture, arguing the funds could address global issues instead of funding space tourism.
Despite the backlash, with critics like Olivia Munn calling it “gluttonous” and others mocking Perry’s “kissing the ground” moment, some praised the flight for promoting women in space. However, the mission faced accusations of being staged, with skeptics questioning the authenticity of the weightlessness footage. Experts clarified that the zero-gravity experience was due to the crew falling back to Earth, similar to experiences in weightlessness training.
Blue Origin’s space tourism ambitions have raised concerns over the environmental impact of rocket emissions, as experts argue that the company’s claim of a “green” rocket is scientifically impossible. While this mission was a notable milestone in civilian space travel, it continues to spark debate about the true cost, both financially and environmentally, of pushing the boundaries of space tourism.
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