On April 14, 2025, Katy Perry made history as part of the first all-female crew to travel to space aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin New Shepard rocket (NPR).
The 11-minute suborbital flight reached the Kármán line, the internationally recognised space boundary. Passengers experienced a few minutes of weightlessness and enjoyed stunning views of Earth during the flight. While this mission marked a significant achievement in space tourism, it also ignited considerable public debate.
Critique, a viral post on X, and conspiracy theories questioning the mission’s authenticity fueled the discussion. This report examines the mission, its public reception, and the facts behind the controversies, following Yoast SEO guidelines and adhering to Google’s E-E-A-T principles and readability standards.
Fighting the Fake News with Facts:
That Blue Origin flight with Katy Perry and other women did not really go to space like the media is portraying. They didn’t actually experience micro gravity either.
Yes, technically the rocket delivered passengers beyond the Kármán line,… pic.twitter.com/QIc8wKDGFC
— David Pollack (@DavidPollackUSA) April 16, 2025The Historic Mission
The Blue Origin NS-31 mission launched from West Texas, carrying six women: Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, Lauren Sánchez (Bezos’ fiancée), former NASA scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn (ABC News). This was the first all-female space crew since 1963, a milestone celebrated for its representation and inspiration for future generations (BBC).
Katy Perry’s Blue Origin patch sparks wild claims the mission was a 'satanic ritual' — conspiracy theorists say it resembles Baphomet, an occult symbol
Space trip or occult script? pic.twitter.com/YHYtyqOL8q
— RT (@RT_com) April 16, 2025The New Shepard rocket, designed for suborbital tourism, reached over 346,000 feet, allowing the crew to experience weightlessness for approximately three minutes (The New York Times). Perry, known for her music career, expressed awe at the experience, noting it deepened her appreciation for Earth’s fragility and the need for environmental conservation (CNN).
Mission Objectives
The mission aimed to:
- Promote space tourism as a viable industry.
- Raise awareness for environmental causes.
- Inspire diverse participation in space exploration.
Perry’s involvement drew significant media attention, amplifying these goals and inviting scrutiny.
Public and Social Media Reactions
While many lauded Perry’s participation, others criticised her post-mission comments as overly idealistic or preachy. This sentiment was amplified by a viral X post from Wendy’s, the American restaurant chain, which stated, “Can we send her back?” The post garnered widespread attention, sparking debates among Perry’s fans and detractors (Daily Mail).
Luke Bryan wonders if the Blue Origin space crew did mushrooms after his former 'American Idol' co-judge Katy Perry said the trip made her feel 'super connected to love': 'Must've been quite the euphoric ride.' https://t.co/EKK6MiP98o
— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) April 16, 2025Wendy’s post highlighted the polarised public response:
- Supporters praised Perry’s courage and advocacy for environmental issues.
- Critics felt her reflections were performative or disconnected from everyday concerns.
This division underscores public figures’ challenges when engaging in high-profile endeavours like space travel.
Conspiracy Theories and Debunking
Conspiracy theorists seized on a perceived “door gaffe” to claim the mission was staged. Footage showed the capsule door being opened from the inside before Jeff Bezos used a specialised tool to open it officially, leading some to argue this violated safety protocols (Live Mint).
The Door Gaffe Explained
The New Shepard capsule is designed with safety in mind, including redundant systems for crew safety (Blue Origin Safety). Contrary to conspiracy claims, as NASA’s safety requirements mandate, the capsule’s door can be opened from both sides after depressurisation. These requirements state that doors must be operable by a single crew member in under 60 seconds from either side (Daily Mail).
Why the Conspiracy Theories Are Unfounded
- Suborbital Design: Unlike orbital spacecraft, New Shepard does not require heavily reinforced outward-opening doors, as it experiences less intense re-entry conditions.
- Safety Standards: The ability to open the door from the inside aligns with post-Apollo 1 safety protocols to prevent crew entrapment.
- Credible Sources: Reputable outlets like NPR, CNN, and BBC confirm the mission’s success, and there is no evidence supporting claims of a hoax.
The “door gaffe” likely resulted from a disrupted choreographed photo opportunity, not evidence of a staged mission.
The all-female crew’s journey represents a step forward in democratizing space travel and promoting inclusivity. Despite the controversies, the mission achieved its goals of raising awareness and inspiring future explorers. Perry’s participation, while polarising, brought unprecedented visibility to Blue Origin’s efforts.
Blue Origin Space Trip Key Mission Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | April 14, 2025 |
| Crew | Katy Perry, Gayle King, Lauren Sánchez, Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn |
| Duration | Approximately 11 minutes |
| Altitude | Over 346,000 feet (above Kármán line) |
| Objectives | Promote space tourism, environmental awareness, and diversity in space |
| Public Reaction | Mixed; praise for achievement, criticism for perceived preachiness |
| Conspiracy Claims | Unfounded claims of a staged mission due to a door gaffe |
