I. Gayle King’s Response to Blue Origin Critics
Gayle King shared her thoughts regarding the critics of her Blue Origin journey.(katy perry space flight )
“Space isn’t a matter of choosing one over the other; it’s about combining both. Engaging in space endeavors doesn’t detract from Earth. Instead, such activities aim to improve conditions here on our planet,” King remarked on CBS Mornings on Tuesday, April 15, discussing her flight with the first all-female crew to venture into space.
“Blue Origin’s objective is to take waste from Earth and find solutions to transport it into space to clean up our planet. Jeff Bezos has a plethora of innovative concepts, and those working at Blue Origin are truly passionate about making the world a better place. That is our priority,” she added.
“There was nothing trivial about our mission,” King said in reaction to the flight’s criticism. “I am truly disappointed and saddened by it. Moreover, I want to highlight the inspiration this brings to other women and young girls. I’ve received numerous messages from women, young girls, and even men stating, ‘I never thought I could achieve that, but seeing you do it at this point in your life has changed my perspective.'”
II. Details of the Blue Origin Flight
The Blue Origin journey to the edge of outer space lasted roughly 11 minutes on Monday. This flight marked the company’s first all-female crew, which included Katy Perry, rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics research scientist Amanda Nguyen, philanthropist Lauren Sanchez, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. Blue Origin, founded in 2000, is owned by Jeff Bezos, who is also engaged to Sanchez.
Blue Origin offers the opportunity for individuals to reserve their spot on their spacecraft, requesting most to place a “fully refundable deposit” of $150,000. In 2021, the company auctioned off its initial seat for $28 million, as reported by The New York Times. It remains uncertain which passengers on the Blue Origin NS-31 flight were paying customers and which were invited guests.
III. Criticism Toward Blue Origin and the Flight
Much of the criticism aimed at Blue Origin and the privatization of space travel revolves around the substantial costs associated with production and ticket prices, as well as the purported high carbon emissions that affect the Earth’s already struggling environment. Olivia Munn openly criticized the flight during an episode of Today with Jenna & Friends on April 3, prior to the launch.
“What’s the purpose? Is it historic for you to embark on such a journey? I find it somewhat indulgent,” she commented. “Space exploration was intended to enhance our understanding and benefit humanity. What will they accomplish up there that contributes positively to our situation down here?”
Olivia Wilde voiced similar concerns in an Instagram Story post on Monday. The actress and director shared a meme from X showing Perry kissing the ground after disembarking from the New Shepard rocket. The caption above the two images read, “getting off a commercial flight in 2025 #BlueOrigin.”
Wilde added her own remark to the meme, stating, “A billion dollars bought some decent memes, I suppose.”
Emily Ratajkowski also chimed in, posting a TikTok critique of the launch, with particular emphasis on Perry’s statements.
“Claiming to care for Mother Earth while traveling in a spacecraft funded by a company that is actively harming the planet?” the model posed. “Consider the condition of our world and reflect on the amount of resources that were dedicated to sending these women into space, and for what purpose?”
IV. Bezos’ Message to the Crew
Bezos has not yet addressed the recent controversies surrounding the latest Blue Origin flight. Prior to departure, he shared with the passengers, “I look forward to hearing how this experience transforms you when you return. I care for each of you. See you soon. Godspeed,” according to NBC.
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