On April 14, 2025, news broke out that pop star Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, and other influential women were launching to space aboard Blue Origin’s latest endeavor. An all-women crew making headlines? The “historic” moment had the potential to inspire a new generation of girls, yet the details paved the way for only disappointment.
Rather than a groundbreaking scientific mission, the flight was essentially a pricey publicity stunt. Though two participants had prior aerospace training and knowledge, the emphasis of the mission was placed on pop culture. The majority of media coverage focused less on the science behind the flight and more on the fame of those on board, turning what could have been a milestone for women in STEM into little more than a flashy event.
The event got an almost immediate wave of backlash from celebrities and others alike, stating the act was “out of touch.” Tickets for these futuristic flights cost millions of dollars, a price tag that few can afford, especially with current economic conditions in the United States. Critics also commented that the joyride left a heavy carbon footprint for no scientific benefit aside from spectacle. In a time when many families are struggling to afford basic necessities, the optics of a luxury space vacation were hard to defend.
Katy Perry, being the most heavily criticized, has preached positivity and inclusion to her fans, yet the billionaire-funded vacation seems to come across rather tone-deaf. Many fans question if the dollars spent on the trip could have been better invested into scientific scholarships, climate initiatives, or legitimate exploration. True empowerment comes not from occupying a seat on a commercial flight, but from opening doors for others who might not otherwise have the opportunity.
More importantly, this trip seemed to overshadow—and in some ways, undermine—the accomplishments of actual female astronauts. Women like Dr. Mae Jemison, Sally Ride, and Christina Koch broke barriers through years of education, rigorous training, and scientific contribution. Elevating celebrities as symbols of female progress in space exploration not only distracts from those achievements, but risks reducing those hard-earned milestones to background noise in favor of headline-grabbing stunts.
Although the trip may have been both a scientific and publicity failure, the mission may draw attention to a better cause — celebrating accomplished female scientists! Many have been reminded of the importance of hard work and education for girls, proving that a flashy Instagram post doesn’t measure up to the true accomplishments of female astronauts. Real inspiration doesn’t come from zero-gravity selfies — it comes from persistence, innovation, and breaking barriers the hard way!