The recent Blue Origin space mission, which included Katy Perry and other high-profile women, has faced strong criticism on social media.
While, many have dubbed the flight a “joyride for the super-rich.
Following the 11-minute mission aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket, online commenters quickly criticized the flight.
They called it a “glorified amusement park ride” for celebrities.
The all-female crew, which included Perry, Lauren Sánchez, and other prominent figures, reached an altitude of 62 miles (100km) and crossed the Karman Line, technically entering space.
Additinally, experts have voiced concerns that Blue Origin’s mission does not advance science or space exploration. Dr. Gareth Dorrian, a space scientist, labeled it a “joyride for the super-rich.”
Dr. Dorrian also suggested that while the crew technically entered space, the flight did little to contribute to the development of space technology.
He also pointed out that it offered minimal scientific knowledge.
The public reacts to Blue Origin’s ‘astronaut’ claim for celebrities
On the X platform, a video captured the amazing moment as the Blue Origin rocket carried Perry, Lauren Sánchez, and other prominent figures into space and back to Earth.
One social media, critics question whether the Blue Origin flight contributes to science or space exploration
Despite crossing into space, many social media users have questioned the legitimacy of calling the crew “astronauts.”
Critics argue that true astronauts undergo years of training and perform vital research in space.
Some argued that the mission was nothing more than a “vanity project” for billionaires and celebrities.
Many users expressed their dissatisfaction with the choice of high-profile celebrities like Perry and Sánchez.
One person said: They’re not astronauts… real astronauts would be offended.
A second wrote: When space turned into a vanity project for celebrities, we lost the plot.
While a third commented: Going to space for a publicity stunt is insane.
Another added: Passengers, not crew. PR stunt, not history.
Someone else said: Katy Perry is so over. Bezos blew it with his choice of passengers.
Another user wrote: It’s the only time since Katy Perry was 14 that her tits weren’t sagging to her knees
Blue Origin’s all-female crew fails to impress critics
While Blue Origin touted the all-female mission as a historic moment, critics believe the crew selection missed the mark.
The mission was criticized for its lack of diversity and failure to appeal to a broader socio-economic audience.
Professor Louis Brennan, an expert on commercial spaceflight, pointed out that Blue Origin’s wealthy crew didn’t help in promoting the democratization of space.
Despite the crew technically reaching space, Blue Origin’s insistence that the passengers were “official astronauts” led to further backlash.
Critics argued that this diluted the significance of real astronauts’ achievements.
Many felt that the title of astronaut should be reserved for individuals who have trained extensively and contributed meaningfully to space research.
They argued that it should not be given to those on a celebrity-driven mission.