Pop icon Katy Perry has successfully participated in an all-female spaceflight aboard Blue Origin’s space tourism rocket, founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos. The flight included notable figures: Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez; journalist Gayle King; former NASA scientist Aisha Bowe; research scientist Amanda Nguyen; and producer Kerianne Flynn. The New Shepard rocket launched from West Texas at approximately 8:30 am local time.
Excitement filled the rocket as the group soared into space, rejoicing at the nearly full moon’s sight. After a brief seven-minute journey, the reusable rocket landed safely in the desert, followed by the capsule’s descent, which was met with further jubilant celebrations.
Ahead of the flight, Perry had been engaging in “psychological” preparation by studying the works of renowned scientists, including the late Carl Sagan. Expressing her gratitude and honour at being part of such a remarkable group, she said, “I am feeling so grateful and grounded.”
The crew was announced earlier this year, with Sanchez selecting the participants. Blue Origin commenced sending tourists to space in 2021, aiming to make space travel accessible; Perry’s mission marks the company’s 11th human spaceflight. While details about payment for the flight weren’t disclosed, it is known that some passengers on previous flights enjoyed complimentary rides, while others paid substantial fees for the experience.
This venture has drawn some criticism, notably from actress Olivia Munn, who raised concerns over the mission’s expense and publicity. Nevertheless, Perry believes that this historic all-women crew, the first since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo flight in 1963, represents a significant milestone. With only 14% of space travellers being women thus far, she remarked, “It’s an important moment for the future of commercial space travel and for humanity in general and for women all around.”
Reflecting on the flight, she remarked playfully, “I just feel like, ‘Put us in coach’.”