Katy Perry in Space: Win for Women or Just PR Hype? Get the Full Story!!

Science/ Space Travel

Katy Perry went to Space with Blue Origin?? Empowering Women?Or Just PR Hype? What do people say about this mission? Space Tourism vs. Real Astronauts?

Introduction

Blue Origin is a private space agency founded and owned by Jeff Bezos. Blue Origin came up with a commercial suborbital flight program through which they have launched 52 individuals up to date.

As a part of this Commercial Suborbital Flight Program, on April 14, 2025, Katy Perry travelled to space aboard Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission. This mission became headlines and took the spotlight as it featured an all-female crew, a first since 1963, but also stirred debate and criticism online.

While many viewed it as empowering and inspirational, others dismissed it as just a celebrity PR stunt. Many criticized Katy Perry’s activities after the landing as overboard and dramatic.

Mission Details: Blue Origin NS-31

On April 14, 2025, the Blue Origin NS-31 mission was launched from the company’s private launch site in West Texas.

This flight was part of Blue Origin’s commercial space tourism program using the New Shepard Rocket- a reusable suborbital launch vehicle designed to carry passengers beyond the Karman line (100km above sea level), considered the edge of space.

Key Mission Specs:

Launch Date	April 14, 2025
Vehicle	New Shepard (Booster NS4, Capsule RSS First Step)
Crew Size	6 (all female)
Flight Type	Suborbital (no orbital velocity, quick return to Earth)
Altitude Reached	Parachute-assisted soft landing in the Texas desert
Duration	10 minutes and 21 seconds
Landing	Parachute-assisted soft landing in the Texas dessert

Crew Members:

1. Katy Perry – Global music artist and performer

2. Lauren Sánchez – Pilot and journalist, fiancée of Jeff Bezos

3. Gayle King – CBS journalist and co-host of “CBS Mornings”

4. Aisha Bowe – Former NASA aerospace engineer and entrepreneur

5. Amanda Nguyen – Civil rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee

6. Kerianne Flynn – Film producer and advocate for women in media

Katy Perry’s Moments in Space

Perry made the moment personal by carrying a daisy flower to honor her daughter, Daisy Dove.

While floating in zero gravity, she sang “What a Wonderful World,” capturing the emotional essence of her journey.

The crew wore custom Monse-designed suits, blending style with symbolism.

She later called the experience “the highest high I’ve ever known.”

Later, after her landing, Katy Perry stepped down and kissed the Earth’s ground.

✨ Weightless and limitless. pic.twitter.com/GQgHd0aw7i
— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) April 14, 2025

Public Reaction: Mixed and Controversial

Despite the historic nature of the flight, public reception was divided.

Praise:

As the flight was all female crew after 1963, many appreciated the representation of women in space.

Many appreciated this flight as an inspiration for many young girls all around the world.

The mission was seen as a symbol of progress in gender equality within the aerospace industry.

Criticism:

Detractors criticized this mission as it has no significant purpose or any scientific value.

And also, many commented on this mission as a PR stunt as Katy Perry used the platform to hint at her upcoming album, “143.”

As many global events—such as earthquakes, inflation, conflicts between nations, and trade tariffs—worry the world, critics have called this mission ‘tone-deaf.’

Memes and jokes circulated, mocking the short flight, with comments like “She went to space for less time than a music video.”

Some critics also commented on her dramatic “Earth Kiss” after her return.

Celebrity Backlash:

Actress Olivia Munn and singer Kesha posted indirect criticisms, calling the trip wasteful and self-centered.

The family of disabled veteran Carl Westcott, currently in a legal dispute with Perry over a real estate matter, also accused her of lacking compassion.

Also Read About- The Real Astronaut Sunita Williams’ recent interview.

What Does It All Mean?

Of course! The mission was a technical success, undoubtedly! Of course! It is a step towards the future- Space Tourism!!

However, it raised important questions: Can such a mission truly inspire the world? When they just concentrate on self-promotion, branding, and luxury? Are they the real inspiration? Is this the thing we should be proud of? Many people around the world have queued up the questions.

While the real astronauts who have gone through several selection processes and have been trained for years before stepping into space, the ones who fly on commercial flights without any prior training take the name astronaut and the spotlight from the real astronauts.

Still, there are many astronauts who have been training hard and waiting to set foot in history.

Does Katy Perry know this? She should. pic.twitter.com/lxwx74gwDC
— Devin Duke (@sirDukeDevin) April 15, 2025

Conclusion

Katy Perry’s journey aboard Blue Origin’s NS-31 was a milestone for female representation in space.

However, public reaction shows that not all high-profile missions are welcomed without scrutiny.

As space becomes more accessible to the wealthy and famous, public expectation for authenticity, purpose, and social awareness grows stronger.

Yes, Space Tourism is a future advancement, but it can never be compared to the dedication and hard work of the real astronauts.

The true inspiration lies in the real heroes — the scientists, explorers, and pioneers who serve a greater purpose. We shouldn’t be proud of what was simply bought with money.