On April 14, 2025, a historic all-female crew, including singer Katy Perry and journalist Gayle King, embarked on an 11-minute journey into space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. The flight, which aimed to highlight women’s contributions to space exploration, faced significant backlash from various celebrities and commentators who criticized the perceived extravagance of the mission.
Key Takeaways
- The flight marked the first all-female crew to reach space since 1963.
- Critics labeled the mission as wasteful and tone-deaf, questioning its purpose amid pressing global issues.
- Gayle King and Lauren Sánchez defended the flight, emphasizing its potential benefits for Earth and the importance of space exploration.
The Flight Experience
The New Shepard rocket launched from Blue Origin’s facility in West Texas, carrying six women, including:
- Katy Perry – Pop singer and cultural icon.
- Gayle King – Broadcast journalist and co-host of CBS Mornings.
- Lauren Sánchez – Journalist and fiancée of Jeff Bezos.
- Amanda Nguyễn – Nobel nominee and advocate for sexual assault survivors.
- Aisha Bowe – Former NASA rocket scientist.
- Kerianne Flynn – Film producer and documentarian.
The flight lasted approximately 10 minutes, during which the crew experienced a few minutes of weightlessness. Upon returning, King expressed her exhilaration, stating, “I stepped out of my comfort zone in a way that I never thought was possible for me.”
Backlash & Criticism
Despite the celebratory nature of the flight, it was met with harsh criticism from various quarters:
- Emily Ratajkowski described the mission as a performative act, likening it to a dystopian scenario.
- Olivia Munn called it “gluttonous,” questioning the necessity of such a costly venture when many face basic survival challenges.
- Olivia Wilde and Amy Schumer also chimed in, mocking the flight’s extravagance and the media frenzy surrounding it.
Critics argued that the mission, while historic, did not contribute meaningfully to scientific advancement or address pressing issues on Earth.
Defending the Mission
In response to the backlash, Gayle King and Lauren Sánchez defended the flight’s intentions:
- King challenged critics to experience space travel themselves before passing judgment, stating, “Have y’all been to space? Go to space or go to Blue Origin and see what they do.”
- She emphasized that every flight contributes valuable data that can be used to improve life on Earth, including efforts to manage space debris.
- Sánchez invited skeptics to visit Blue Origin and witness the dedication of the employees involved in the mission, asserting that the flight represented a significant achievement for women in science and technology.
Conclusion
The Blue Origin flight has sparked a broader conversation about the role of space tourism and its implications for society. While some view it as a step forward for women in aerospace, others see it as a symbol of privilege and excess. As the debate continues, the mission has undeniably placed a spotlight on the intersection of celebrity culture and scientific exploration, raising questions about the future of space travel and its accessibility to all.
The journey of King, Perry, and their fellow crew members may have been brief, but its impact on public discourse surrounding space exploration is likely to resonate for some time.
