Katy Perry’s brief but bold journey aboard a Blue Origin rocket ignited both admiration and outrage—fusing celebrity spectacle with a call for women’s empowerment in STEM.
At a Glance
- Katy Perry Joins First All-Female Civilian Spaceflight
- Mission Sparked Fierce Online Backlash and Conspiracies
- Critics Slam Trip as “Fake” and “Elitist”
- Perry Cites Passion for Space, Reads Carl Sagan, Studies String Theory
- Blue Origin Launch Broadcast Globally as Public Debates Mission’s Merit
Pop Star in Orbit
On April 14, 2025, Katy Perry rocketed beyond Earth’s atmosphere aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard, making history as part of the first all-female civilian spaceflight since Valentina Tereshkova’s iconic 1963 solo mission. The mission, dubbed NS-31, included Perry alongside journalist Gayle King, philanthropist Lauren Sánchez, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights advocate Amanda Nguyen, and producer Kerianne Flynn.
Ahead of the 11-minute suborbital ride, Perry revealed her prep went beyond flight suits and rehearsals—she spent time absorbing Carl Sagan’s Cosmos and studying string theory, telling reporters she’s “always been interested in astrophysics and the stars,” as noted by Breitbart.
Watch AP’s coverage of the launch at this video.
Praise and Public Skepticism
While fans hailed the pop icon’s curiosity and courage, the internet quickly erupted in backlash. Conspiracy theorists flooded social platforms calling the event a “Hollywood fake” and claiming it had “the worst CGI any of these fake space agencies has produced,” as highlighted in Daily Mail’s reporting.
Environmental critics also took aim, comparing the rocket’s carbon emissions unfavorably to Taylor Swift’s tour. “Today Katy Perry burned more emissions than Taylor Swift did during the entire Eras Tour,” one viral comment lamented, with others accusing Perry of hypocrisy for preaching love for “Mother Earth” while riding a billionaire’s rocket. These responses were documented in detail by AOL News.
A Journey with Purpose
Still, Perry stood firm, stressing the mission wasn’t just personal but symbolic. She carried a daisy into space in honor of her daughter and described the launch as “second only to being a mom.” “I wanted to model courage, worthiness and fearlessness,” she later told The New York Post.
Co-traveler Gayle King also defended the initiative, stating, “Anybody that’s criticizing it doesn’t really understand what is happening here… We’re seeing the impact this has on young girls,” reinforcing the crew’s aim to inspire the next generation of women in science and exploration.
Culture Clash in the Cosmos
The NS-31 mission highlighted a growing tension in modern space travel—where celebrity, science, and spectacle collide. While detractors view these private flights as indulgent and tone-deaf, advocates argue they serve as high-visibility campaigns for science education and gender equity.
Ultimately, Perry’s voyage transcended spectacle. It stirred debate, inspired conversations, and reminded us that even in the stars, society’s divides remain grounded. Whether icon or interstellar influencer, Perry has made one thing clear—she’s not afraid to reach for the cosmos.
