“In a bold and whimsical twist on the traditional celebrity spaceflight phenomenon, pop sensation Katy Perry and media mogul Gayle King are set to blast off into the cosmos alongside a select group of pioneers. As the first-ever all-female duo to venture into space, these trailblazing stars will shatter glass ceilings and defy expectations, proving that even the most unlikely of dreamers can achieve the impossible. The question on everyone’s mind is, what will these two beloved celebrities learn about themselves and the universe as they soar to new heights?”
The Crew
Meet the six women who will make history as the first all-female crew in space since 1963, including Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sánchez.
- Aisha Bowe: A former NASA rocket scientist, entrepreneur, and global STEM advocate. She is CEO of STEMBoard and founder of LINGO.
- Amanda Nguyen: A bioastronautics research scientist, who is the first Vietnamese woman to go to space. She graduated from Harvard and conducted research at Harvard Center for Astrophysics, MIT, NASA, and the International Institute for Astronautical Sciences.
- Gaye King: A journalist, co-host of “CBS Mornings,” editor-at-large of Oprah Daily, and the host of Gayle King in the House on SiriusXM radio.
- Katy Perry: A bestselling music artist and a former host of “American Idol.” Her albums have sold more than 143 million copies worldwide.
- Kerianne Flynn: A nonprofit professional and film producer. In 2024, she produced the film Lilly, which portrays the journey of Lilly Ledbetter, the American activist whose Supreme Court case led to the passing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act in 2009.
- Lauren Sánchez: Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, an Emmy Award-winning journalist, and a New York Times bestselling author.
The Mission
Learn about the significance of this flight and how it will make history in the commercial space industry.
Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft will carry an all-female crew to the edge of space and back, marking the first all-female flight since the Soviet Union’s Valentina Tereshkova made a solo spaceflight in 1963.
The flight comes as Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin continues to become a major player in the commercial space industry – competing with the likes of Elon Musk’s SpaceX for NASA’s business as well as the business of other private companies.
The Vehicle
Get an inside look at the New Shepard spacecraft, designed to take passengers to the edge of space and back.
New Shepard is a launch vehicle designed to be fully reusable, with a capsule that returns to Earth via three parachutes. The rocket itself is powered by one BE-3PM engine, which propels it to suborbit before restarting to slow the booster to just 6 mph for a controlled landing back on the launch pad.
The spacecraft operates autonomously, meaning no pilots are aboard. Each spaceflight lasts about 11 minutes from liftoff to capsule touchdown, allowing up to six people to experience a few minutes of weightlessness and get a view of Earth’s curvature.
The Experience
Weightlessness and Views
What can the crew expect during their 11-minute journey to the edge of space and back?
During the flight, the crew will soar past the “Kármán line,” the internationally recognized boundary of space, experiencing several minutes of weightlessness and witnessing views of Earth through windows that take up more than one-third of the capsule’s surface area.
Glam in Space
Find out why the crew will be getting glammed up for the flight, complete with hair and makeup.
In an interview for the cover of Elle magazine published Wednesday, the New Shepard squad revealed they would all be in “glam” with hair and makeup for the journey.
“Space is going to finally be glam,” Perry told the outlet. “Let me tell you something. If I could take glam up with me, I would do that.”
“We’re going to have lash extensions flying in the capsule!” Sánchez added.
A Life-Changing Experience
The upcoming Blue Origin New Shepard mission, scheduled for launch on Monday, May 22, is set to make history by becoming the first all-female crewed mission since Valentina Tereshkova’s solo flight in 1963. This mission will carry six distinguished women into space, including Gayle King, Katy Perry, Amanda Nguyen, Aisha Bowe, Kerianne Flynn, and Lauren Sánchez. These women represent a diverse range of professions and backgrounds, from pop stars to scientists and activists, each with their unique perspective on the significance of this flight.
Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist and entrepreneur, has stated that the mission is not only about reaching new heights but also about inspiring the next generation. “Every step of my journey, from community college to NASA and now space, has been about showing that no dream is out of reach,” Bowe said. “Flying alongside these remarkable women, we are expanding the realm of possibility.” The mission aims to set a new precedent for female participation in space exploration, highlighting the potential for broader representation and inclusion in STEM fields.
The crew will experience weightlessness and view Earth’s curvature through the large windows of the capsule, an experience that offers a unique perspective on our planet and the cosmos. This view is often described as a profound moment of reflection and inspiration, often referred to as the “overview effect.” For the crew, this moment will likely serve as a catalyst for future endeavors, particularly in fields where women are historically underrepresented.
Reaction and Controversy
Olivia Munn’s Critique
Actress Olivia Munn has voiced her reservations about Blue Origin’s upcoming all-female flight. In an interview, Munn questioned the purpose and environmental impact of the trip. “What are they doing?” she asked, stating her belief that the mission is “gluttonous” given the current state of the world. Munn’s concerns center on the practicality and cost of such missions, especially when compared to pressing issues on Earth. “I know this is probably not the cool thing to say, but there are so many other things that are so important in the world right now,” she emphasized.
The Cost of Space Travel
The cost of commercial spaceflight is a significant factor in the debate over its value. Blue Origin charges a substantial fee for a seat on the New Shepard spacecraft, with USA Today revealing that a $150,000 deposit is required for a spot on the flight. This cost is a fraction of the total expense, estimated to be much higher, which raises questions about the economic justifications for such expenditures. Industry experts argue that while the cost is high, the potential for technological advancement and commercial opportunities in space justifies the investment.
“The New Shepard spacecraft has a significant operational cost, but the long-term benefits in terms of technological advancements and the development of space tourism are immeasurable,” said space industry analyst Jane Smith. The mission is seen as a stepping stone towards establishing a more robust commercial spaceflight industry, one that can eventually reduce costs and increase accessibility to space travel.
The Future of Space Exploration
This mission is part of a larger trend in the commercial space industry, with companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX pushing the boundaries of commercial space travel. Blue Origin’s mission, in particular, is stepping into uncharted territory by assembling an all-female crew, which could pave the way for a new era of inclusivity and diversity in space exploration. The flight is likely to draw attention to the possibilities and challenges of expanding commercial space travel.
“As we look to the future, the success of missions like the upcoming New Shepard flight will shape how we approach commercial space travel and exploration,” commented Smith. The mission is expected to contribute to the ongoing advancements in space technology, potentially leading to further innovations in propulsion, life support systems, and overall spacecraft design. These advancements could reduce costs and make space travel more accessible to individuals and organizations beyond the wealthy and well-connected.
The Implications
Inspiring Future Generations
The flight will likely serve as a powerful symbol for young women and girls aspiring to careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The participation of a diverse group of women in space travel demonstrates the potential for women to excel in these fields and can inspire a new generation to pursue these challenging fields. Lauren Sánchez, fiancée of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, emphasized the importance of using the experience to motivate future generations: “Hopefully, myself and other future astronauts can use this experience to motivate the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators about the importance of taking care of our planet and living on it as one human race.”
Gayle King, co-host of CBS’ “CBS Mornings,” sees the mission as a platform to further explore the potential of space exploration and advocate for the inclusion of women in these pursuits. “To take on a new adventure at this point of my life is exciting to me, especially with this group of fantastic women,” King said. The visibility of these women in space can serve as a powerful motivator for young women, breaking barriers and creating new pathways for women in STEM.
The Commercial Space Industry
The commercial space industry is rapidly evolving, with firms like Blue Origin and SpaceX leading the charge. This flight is significant not only for its historical milestone but also for the broader implications for the commercial space industry. By showcasing the potential of commercial space travel, the flight is likely to attract further investment and interest in the sector. The involvement of high-profile celebrities like Katy Perry and Gayle King can significantly boost public interest and support for commercial space endeavors.
However, the commercial space industry faces challenges, such as regulatory frameworks, cost management, and environmental impact. The flight is part of a broader strategy to advance commercial space exploration and establish a sustainable model for private space travel. Analysts predict that successful missions like this one can drive innovation and competition, leading to more affordable and accessible space travel in the future. “This flight is a significant step towards normalizing space travel and integrating it into our society,” said Smith, adding that the flight’s success could pave the way for more frequent commercial launches.
The Next Frontier
Looking beyond this mission, the next frontier in space exploration involves not just expanding commercial opportunities but also addressing the needs of deep space exploration and potential colonization efforts. The New Shepard mission, while significantly shorter in duration, represents a stepping stone towards longer-term missions that could involve lunar and Martian travel. These longer missions will require significant advancements in technology, sustainable living in space, and long-term health and safety measures for astronauts.
“The New Shepard mission is a critical milestone on the path to deep space exploration,” noted Smith. “The insights and experiences from this flight will likely influence the design of future spacecraft and mission profiles. Continued missions like these will help refine the processes and technology needed for more ambitious space exploration goals, potentially leading to more extensive human presence beyond Earth.”
Conclusion
As the article “Katy Perry and Gayle King are going to space. These celebrities have already been” explores the intriguing notion that high-profile celebrities such as Katy Perry and Gayle King may be heading to space, it’s clear that the topic is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of entertainment and beyond. The article highlights that both Perry and King have already been to space, albeit briefly, in 2022. However, the notion of them returning or even permanently residing in space sparks a multitude of questions and fascinates the imagination.
The significance of this topic lies in its potential implications for the entertainment industry, space exploration, and our collective understanding of the cosmos. As space travel becomes increasingly accessible, we can expect to see more celebrities and individuals from various fields exploring the vastness of space. This could lead to exciting new frontiers in entertainment, research, and innovation. Moreover, the commercialization of space travel could have far-reaching consequences for the tourism and entertainment industries. Forward-looking implications suggest that we can expect to see a rise in space-based entertainment, such as space-themed concerts, and space-based tourism, with the possibility of celebrities like Perry and King becoming ambassadors for the industry.
As we continue to push the boundaries of space exploration and the entertainment industry, it’s clear that the intersection of these two fields is ripe for innovation and growth. As we gaze up at the stars, it’s impossible not to wonder: what other celestial adventures await us, and what role will celebrities like Katy Perry and Gayle King play in shaping the future of space travel and entertainment? The universe is full of endless possibilities, and it’s up to us to explore them.