Celebrities are encouraging people to travel to space, but the jaw-dropping cost reveals it’s still far from a realistic option.
Space travel is becoming a reality for some, but it comes with a staggering price tag.
Celebrities like Katy Perry are urging everyone to consider going to space, but the costs remain out of reach for most people.
With space tourism on the rise, it’s important to understand what this means for everyday citizens.
Celebrities encourage everyone to explore space travel.
Recently, Katy Perry and an all-female crew flew on Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket.
This flight marked a historic moment as it was the first all-female mission to space since 1963.
The crew included notable figures like Lauren Sánchez, Gayle King, and Aisha Bowe.
They launched from West Texas and enjoyed an 11-minute trip into space.
While the event was celebrated, many people were quick to point out the significant costs involved.
Blue Origin faces backlash as the cost of all-female space launch is publicly revealed
The cost of traveling to space is not cheap.
Although Blue Origin has not disclosed the full price for a ticket, a deposit of $150,000 is required for a seat on the New Shepard rocket.
This amount is just the beginning of the expenses involved. Many people struggle to afford basic necessities, making such a trip seem like a distant dream.
Sky science correspondent Thomas Moore emphasized the issue of affordability, noting that many viewers cannot even afford a box of eggs.
“Some people watching this can’t even afford to buy a box of eggs. Space tourism is only for the super rich at the moment.”
Moore continued: “Those who are supporters of this kind of venture would say that it accelerates innovation and that spreads through the whole of the space industry.
“But there are others who are very uncomfortable about the inequality of space travel and also, of course, about its environmental impact.”
The all-female mission has faced criticism as well. Some commentators, like Olivia Munn, have called it a “gluttonous waste of money.”
At a time when many people are struggling financially, the idea of spending large sums on space tourism feels out of touch.
Katy Perry inspires others with her dreams.
Katy Perry has long dreamed of going to space. She even dressed as an astronaut for the 2017 MTV Video Music Awards.
After her brief trip, she expressed hopes that her experience would inspire young girls to dream big.
“I am talking to myself every day and going, ‘You’re brave, you’re bold, you are doing this for the next generation to inspire so many different people but especially young girls to go, ‘I’ll go to space in the future. No limitations’.”
Auction prices for space seats vary greatly.
Blue Origin has tried to make space tourism appealing through celebrity flights.
Reports suggest that the price for a seat can vary wildly, with some individuals allegedly paying up to $30 million.
In earlier auctions, a seat on the maiden flight was auctioned for an astonishing $28 million.
When the highest bidder could not attend, the seat went to the next highest bidder, who also paid a significant amount.
The variation in prices raises eyebrows. Some passengers, like those affiliated with nonprofits, might pay as little as $1 million.
Meanwhile, celebrities often fly as “honorable guests.” This disparity demonstrates the vast differences in who can access these experiences.
Social media reactions
One user said: They could do a lot of good things with their money, their greed is shameful.
The second user wrote: What an enormous waste.of money billions could be spent in Other wartorn Countries.right now today.
The third user said: Billionaires and celebrities. Just send them all and leave them there.
The fourth user commented: Please stop calling them astronauts !
Another user added: They should’ve given that money to cancer research or Parkinson’s research. It would’ve lasted more than four minutes.
Someone said: They are all off of their f…ing rockers !!!! Outa touch with reality !!!!!