Importance Score: 22 / 100 🔵
Katy Perry’s Space Trip Sparks Backlash: Critics Decry Singer’s Actions as Insensitive to NASA Astronauts
Pop star Katy Perry is facing renewed criticism following her recent space flight. Her actions upon returning to Earth have been labeled as inappropriate, with many suggesting they were disrespectful to NASA astronauts who have endured extended missions in space.
Perry’s Return to Earth Draws Scrutiny
Upon exiting the Blue Origin capsule, the singer immediately knelt and kissed the ground, expressing her joy at being back on terra firma after an approximately 11-minute journey. Of this brief trip, only a few minutes were spent experiencing microgravity.
Public Outcry Over Perceived Insensitivity
While Perry may have intended the gesture as celebratory, the public has widely condemned it as a profound “insult” to NASA astronauts, particularly Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were recently stranded in space for over nine months and are now facing significant health challenges upon their return.
Social Media Users Voice Displeasure
“I could understand if Sunita Williams or Barry Wilmore kissed the ground after their return, but Katy Perry after 11 minutes just seems like a mockery,” one user commented on X (formerly Twitter). This sentiment was echoed across the platform as many questioned the perceived disparity between Perry’s brief excursion and the prolonged and demanding missions of professional astronauts.
Stranded Astronauts’ Plight Contrasted with Celebrity Space Trip
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore had embarked on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) last June, initially scheduled for a short eight-day duration. However, a malfunction with their Boeing Starliner capsule extended their stay to an unexpected nine months.
vCard.red is a free platform for creating a mobile-friendly digital business cards. You can easily create a vCard and generate a QR code for it, allowing others to scan and save your contact details instantly.
The platform allows you to display contact information, social media links, services, and products all in one shareable link. Optional features include appointment scheduling, WhatsApp-based storefronts, media galleries, and custom design options.
Social media platforms, particularly X, became a forum for public disapproval, with numerous posts characterizing the NASA astronauts’ space mission as a “sacrifice” in stark contrast to what was seen as Perry’s “publicity stunt.”
“Katy Perry kissing the ground after being in space for just three minutes… I wonder what the stranded astronauts must think?” another X user questioned, highlighting the perceived trivialization of space travel.
Katy Perry’s immediate kiss of the ground after a brief spaceflight has sparked outrage amongst the public, who view it as disrespectful to astronauts with extensive space missions.
Celebrities Join the Criticism of Blue Origin Flight and Perry’s Actions
Beyond public figures on social media, several high-profile celebrities have also voiced their disapproval of the Blue Origin flight and Perry’s actions.
Model Emily Ratajkowski commented on the nature of such endeavors, stating, “That space mission this morning? That’s end time s**t. Like, this is beyond parody,” suggesting a disconnect from pressing earthly concerns.
Actress Olivia Munn had previously criticized the mission prior to its launch, expressing concern over the cost: “I know that this is probably obnoxious – but like, it’s so much money to go to space. You know, there’s a lot of people that can’t even afford eggs.”
Even Wendy’s, the fast-food chain, joined in the commentary, posting a playful jab at Perry on social media by replying to a photo of her kissing the ground with the comment: “Can we send her back?”
Details of the Blue Origin NS-31 Mission
Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission launched from the company’s Launch Site One near Van Horn, Texas.
The crew included Lauren Sánchez, Jeff Bezos’s fiancé, Perry, CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, film producer Kerianne Flynn, activist Amanda Nguyen, and former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe.
The New Shepard rocket propelled the capsule to the edge of space, 62 miles above Earth, providing the occupants with a few minutes of weightlessness.
Subsequently, the capsule descended back to Earth, with parachutes deploying as the crew reportedly expressed excitement.
All six women emerged from the capsule appearing joyful, with visible emotion.
Sunita Williams (pictured) and Butch Wilmore endured an extended 286-day stay on the International Space Station due to capsule issues, far exceeding their planned eight days.
Butch Wilmore receives immediate medical attention after returning from his prolonged space mission on March 18.
Contrasting Reactions: Astronauts’ Return vs. Celebrity Trip
“11 minutes is a joke. Katy Perry kissing the ground is just exaggerated,” one X user reiterated, emphasizing the perceived trivial nature of the celebrity flight.
Another comment on social media stated, “She’s acting like astronaut Sunita Williams and her team, who were stranded in space for 9 months. These are just celebrities enjoying a brief joyride in space,” further highlighting the contrast in public perception.
Another user questioned the merit of the celebrity flight: “What scientific contributions has Katy Perry made by taking this voyage? We celebrated the return of Sunita Williams from her mission. This isn’t about gender—it’s about celebrities doing pointless stunts simply because they possess the financial means.”
Astronauts’ Return and Post-Flight Condition
Williams and Wilmore returned to Earth on March 18. Upon exiting the capsule, both astronauts were visibly weak and were transported via stretchers for immediate medical evaluation and care.
They promptly received IV fluids and underwent comprehensive medical assessments. Public visibility of the astronauts was limited until NASA released images around 2am ET, showing them still receiving medical treatment with IV needles in place.
Perry’s Post-Flight Demeanor
In contrast, Perry emerged from the capsule displaying a daisy she had taken into space. She then proceeded to descend the capsule steps and kissed the ground.
During a post-flight interview, Perry was told by the host, ‘You are officially an astronaut,’ to which she replied, ‘Thank you,’ a moment that further fueled the debate over the nature and purpose of such space trips.
Many view Perry’s ground-kissing gesture as indicative of the Blue Origin mission being primarily a publicity event.
Social media users employed memes to express their sentiments regarding Perry’s ground-kissing reaction to an 11-minute space mission.
Debate Over “Astronaut” Status and Space Tourism
The New Shepard spacecraft is designed to operate autonomously, meaning the passengers on board did not control the flight. This technicality means the women on board are not officially classified as astronauts, but rather as “space travelers.”
“That whole Blue Origin all-female space flight is such a farce. The reporter kept referring to them as ‘astronauts’. Using that logic, having flown on airplanes extensively, I should be considered an experienced pilot,” one user mocked online.
Another commentator added, “Such disrespect to the original women astronauts who underwent rigorous training and testing,” highlighting the perceived trivialization of true astronaut qualifications.