On social media, many viewers were stunned as conspiracy theorists claimed the Blue Origin mission was fake. Skeptics argued that the rocket launch featuring Katy Perry and Lauren Sánchez had “the worst CGI.
Wild online theories accuse Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin of staging the all-female NS-31 space mission as a Hollywood-style hoax. Experts say otherwise.
Conspiracists question whether the Blue Origin space flight really happened
On April 14, Blue Origin launched a historic, all-female mission into space featuring Katy Perry, Lauren Sánchez, and journalist Gayle King, among other high-profile women.
The 11-minute flight on the New Shepard rocket reached 66.5 miles in altitude, crossing the Kármán Line—the internationally recognized boundary of space.
Despite widespread media coverage and live-streamed footage, conspiracy theories quickly flooded social media.
Sceptics claimed the launch was staged using CGI effects and green screens.
Some users labeled the mission a “Hollywood fake.” Others declared it “the worst CGI ever used by a fake space agency,” questioning the video’s authenticity.
One person said: And if it wasn’t it was gross’..11minutes of flight which cost the equivalent of 11million’meals to feed the poor ..
A second wrote: I can’t stand Homewreaker Sanchez
While a third commented: Not really a bombshell it was fcuking obvious.
Another added: Well let’s hope they know earth is round now and not flat.
Someone else said: Imagine the smell in that capsule.
If Katie Perry is involved then it was fake. She is the one I am sure who complained and whined the whole time. Another user wrote.
Theories range from Hollywood hoax to satanic ritual conspiracies
The claims quickly escalated. Some accused Blue Origin of filming the entire mission in a studio using water tanks to simulate weightlessness for the crew.
Others pushed even more extreme views. A segment of conspiracy theorists claimed the launch was a “satanic ritual” involving Katy Perry and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Additionally, critics pointed to the NS-31 mission patch worn by the crew, suggesting occult symbolism when flipped upside down.
They called it “proof” of hidden agendas.
One user commented, “Katy Perry is a known Satan worshipper,” while another wrote, “They are mocking God during Passover week.”
Experts explain why space exploration attracts conspiracy thinking
Psychologist Dr. Daniel Jolley, from the University of Nottingham, said the mission’s combination of celebrity culture and space exploration fuels conspiracy theories.
“This is a perfect storm for conspiratorial thinking,” he explained. “Space and celebrity are both long-standing subjects for online paranoia and distrust.”
Dr. Jolley added that fears of media manipulation and elite secrecy often resurface in times of innovation or societal shift—like this high-profile space launch.
The appearance of public figures like Katy Perry intensifies these reactions. “She’s been a frequent target of occult-related conspiracies,” he noted, “as have many female celebrities.”
The facts confirm the Blue Origin space flight really happened
Despite the online frenzy, the NS-31 mission did occur. At 14:30 BST (08:30 local time), the rocket launched from Blue Origin’s site in Van Horn, Texas.
On board were Katy Perry, Lauren Sánchez, Gayle King, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn, and Aisha Bowe—all reaching suborbital space and returning safely.
Footage from inside the capsule shows Earth from space, weightless passengers floating, and excited reactions post-landing—all consistent with previous Blue Origin missions.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and multiple independent outlets confirmed the timeline, trajectory, and safe landing of the mission.