Blue Origin spaceflight live updates: Katy Perry and Gayle King launch on space tourism rocket
CNN5 days ago
All-Female Crew Completes Blue Origin Space Mission
Above: Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket carrying astronauts Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyen, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, and Lauren Sánchez lifts off April 14, 2025 in Van Horn, Texas. Image copyright: Justin Hamel/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This flight represents wasteful spending by wealthy individuals when there are pressing problems to solve on Earth. This journey amounts to expensive entertainment for celebrities rather than meaningful scientific advancement. It's plain and simple, tone-deaf extravagance given current global challenges.
Narrative B
This mission was a significant step forward for women in space exploration, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations. The diverse crew demonstrated that space is becoming more accessible, and despite criticisms, their experience will advance space technology for Earth's benefit.