According to FAA rules, Katy Perry, Lauren Sanchez, and Blue Origin’s all-female crew may not qualify as official astronauts.
Katy Perry, Lauren Sanchez, and the crew of Blue Origin recently made headlines for their space flight.
However, there is some debate about whether they can truly be called astronauts.
This discussion revolves around the rules set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The Blue Origin space mission overview
On April 14, 2025, Katy Perry and an all-female crew flew to space as part of Blue Origin’s New Shepard mission.
This flight lasted about 11 minutes and included notable figures like Gayle King and Amanda Nguyen.
The mission was hailed as a major milestone, being the first all-women crew in space since a 1963 solo flight by a Soviet female cosmonaut.
Following the flight, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Blue Origin, referred to the crew as astronauts.
This statement brought excitement and pride, but it also raised questions about the official definition of an astronaut.
FAA rules on astronaut classification
According to FAA regulations, there are specific criteria that need to be met for someone to be classified as an astronaut.
The FAA has a program that recognizes individuals who have flown into space.
However, the criteria have changed over the years, especially with the rise of commercial space travel.
For crew members to qualify as astronauts under the FAA, they must demonstrate activities that are essential to public safety during the flight.
This means they need to have played a direct role in piloting the spacecraft or ensuring the safety of the mission.
In the case of the Blue Origin flight, the spacecraft operated autonomously, which raises questions about the crew’s qualifications.
What does it mean to be an astronaut?
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines an astronaut as “a person who travels beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.”
By this definition, Perry and her crew could be considered astronauts since they traveled to space.
However, the FAA’s requirements are more stringent and focus on the responsibilities of the crew during the flight.
The distinction between being a “space traveler” and an “astronaut” has been a contentious issue, especially as more celebrities join space missions.
Critics say calling them astronauts undermines those who’ve undergone extensive training for space missions and real long-duration space travel.
Space tourism raises questions about accessibility and purpose.
The rise of space tourism has changed how we view astronauts and space travel.
Many people question whether missions like the one undertaken by Perry and her crew are meaningful or simply luxurious experiences for the wealthy.
This skepticism has led to discussions about the true purpose of commercial space flights and their impact on the future of space exploration.
Celebrities like Perry bring attention to space travel, but this also raises concerns about the accessibility of such experiences.
Some argue that these flights should focus on scientific research and exploration rather than entertainment.
Gayle King and Lauren Sanchez defended the space mission.
Following the Blue Origin flight, Gayle King defended the mission against critics.
“Anybody that’s criticizing it doesn’t really understand what is happening here,” King stated following the trip.
“We can all speak to the response we’re getting from young women from young girls about what this represents.”
Lauren Sanchez also responded to criticism, expressing pride in the work done by the Blue Origin team.
She invited skeptics to learn more about the mission and the dedication of the employees involved.
Both women stressed that the flight was about more than just personal achievement; it was about inspiring others.
“I get really fired up. I would love to have them come to Blue Origin and see the thousands of employees that don’t just work here but they put their heart and soul into this vehicle,” Sanchez, 55, told the outlet.