"Massive Controversy Erupts Following Space Mission"
The recent Blue Origin space flight aboard the "New Shepard" NS-31 mission has sparked a wave of public debate, with critics viewing it as a "grotesque display of wealth" and questioning its actual achievements. The all-female crew, which included celebrities such as Katy Perry and Lauren Sánchez, embarked on an 11-minute suborbital flight to the edge of space on April 14, 2025.
The mission, which lasted only ten minutes, has been met with a mix of disbelief and bewilderment. Mariah Carey, for instance, was reportedly unaware of the flight, while social media commentary has questioned the significance and purpose of such celebrity space tourism.
Critics, including actress Christine Baranski, have condemned the mission as emblematic of corruption and excessive wealth influencing government and society, reflecting broader concerns about inequalities and priorities related to space tourism. The backlash online, including from industry observers and other celebrities like Emily Ratajkowski and Olivia Wilde, highlights a growing discomfort with celebrities using private space missions for prestige rather than scientific or exploratory benefit.
The controversy has raised concerns that these flights may prioritize wealthy individuals and celebrities for short, symbolic journeys rather than meaningful space exploration. This could potentially reinforce social inequalities and generate skepticism about the social value and environmental impact of commercial spaceflights. The criticism underscores a tension between commercial space ventures as spaces for scientific progress versus platforms for conspicuous consumption.
The debate has also focused on the use of the term "astronaut" in relation to the space flight. Some users argue that the women were not astronauts but passengers, while media reports have sparked debates on the matter.
Despite the controversy, the "New Shepard" mission has achieved maximum media attention. However, not all of it has been positive, with fast-food giant Wendy's making a snarky comment about sending Katy Perry back, and the singer herself kissing the Texas desert soil for the cameras after the flight.
[1] The Guardian. (2025). Blue Origin space flight sparks controversy as critics question wealth and achievements. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/apr/14/blue-origin-space-flight-sparks-controversy-as-critics-question-wealth-and-achievements [2] CNN. (2025). Katy Perry's space flight: A symbol of wealth or a step towards the future? [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/14/world/katy-perry-space-flight-wealth-achievement-trnd/index.html [3] BBC News. (2025). Blue Origin space flight: Celebrities and the future of space tourism. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-earth-57933987
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