Katy Perry is under renewed public scrutiny following her high-profile journey aboard Blue Origin’s latest sub-orbital mission, as critics question both the purpose and impact of the celebrity spaceflight.
The April 14 mission featured an all-female crew, including Perry, journalist Gayle King, and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez. Promoted as a breakthrough moment for women in space exploration, the flight has since sparked backlash over its environmental footprint and perceived lack of scientific value.
While the experience was brief—just over ten minutes—the social media reaction was swift. Detractors accused the trip of being tone-deaf amid global crises and called out the carbon emissions generated by the launch. Others expressed frustration over what they viewed as a publicity-driven stunt rather than a meaningful contribution to space research.
In response to the criticism, Perry has defended the mission’s intent, saying the goal was to inspire women and girls to dream beyond limits. She emphasized the symbolic importance of an all-female crew taking part in a field historically dominated by men.
Despite the pushback, Perry has stood by her participation, stating that the journey was about more than spectacle—it was a message about empowerment, exploration, and expanding representation in new frontiers.