Katy Perry Goes Galactic: Blue Origin’s All-Female Spaceflight Sparks Cheers—and Controversy

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In a celestial first that had both fans and critics watching with wide eyes, Blue Origin launched its most talked-about mission yet: an all-female spaceflight starring none other than global pop sensation Katy Perry. The rocket, developed by Jeff Bezos’ space company, shot past the Kármán line—100 kilometres up—marking the edge of space and a new chapter for women in aerospace.

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Breaking the Sky Ceiling

The sub-orbital voyage featured six women with vastly different resumes but one shared mission: making space history. Joining Perry were entrepreneur Lauren Sánchez, former NASA scientists Amanda Nguyen and Aisha Bowe, veteran journalist Gayle King, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. Their ride? The New Shepard rocket, which carried them into the upper atmosphere for an unforgettable 11-minute adventure—four of which were spent floating in zero gravity.

Blue Origin’s bold statement wasn’t just about science—it was also a celebration of representation. It spotlighted how far women have come in the traditionally male-dominated world of space exploration. But while the mission reached literal new heights, it also triggered a social media firestorm back on Earth.

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A Starry Ride—or a Showy Stunt?

Not everyone was impressed by the spectacle. Celebrities like Olivia Munn and Emily Ratajkowski didn’t hold back their thoughts, calling the mission tone-deaf in light of global crises. Munn asked, “What’s the point?” while Ratajkowski slammed the launch as “a leisure trip to space” that felt “disgusting” given the environmental cost and social inequities.

Olivia Wilde threw in a meme-worthy jab, writing, “A billion dollars bought a few good memes,” in response to a photo of Perry kissing the ground post-landing. Even Amy Schumer got in on the commentary with a tongue-in-cheek Instagram post claiming she was invited to space last minute—Black Panther toy in hand.

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Between Applause and Backlash

While many hailed the mission as a triumph for women in STEM and public engagement with space science, others weren’t buying it. Critics labeled the flight a PR stunt—virtue signaling under the guise of progress. Social media lit up with accusations of elitism and eco-hypocrisy, arguing the money could’ve been better spent on Earth.

Still, for Blue Origin, the flight remains a symbol of innovation, visibility, and the potential for a more inclusive future in space travel. And for those six women? It was a journey that put them quite literally among the stars.

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Final Thoughts

The mission may have lasted just 11 minutes, but its impact—both positive and polarizing—continues to orbit the public discourse. Whether you see it as progress or performance, one thing’s for sure: space just got a lot more star-powered.

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