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Celebrity Space Mission to Edge of Space Ignites Online Conspiracy Theories
A recent space mission by Blue Origin, carrying pop star Katy Perry, media personality Lauren Sanchez, and four other prominent women, has triggered a wave of conspiracy theories online. Despite successfully reaching an altitude of 66.5 miles (107 km) and briefly entering space beyond the Karman Line during their 11-minute flight, some online users allege the entire event was fabricated, calling it a ‘Hollywood fake’ and even a ‘satanic ritual’.
Sceptics Claim ‘Hollywood Fakery’ in Blue Origin Launch
Immediately following the widely publicized Blue Origin space flight, online sceptics began disseminating theories questioning the authenticity of the mission. These individuals have dismissed the launch as a ‘Hollywood fake’, deriding what they perceive as poor computer-generated imagery (‘CGI’) purportedly used by ‘fake space agencies’. Some of the more outlandish claims suggest that Jeff Bezos’ New Shepard mission was entirely staged within a film studio, with the crew simulating weightlessness in water tanks.
Wild Theories of ‘Satanic Rituals’ Surface
Beyond accusations of fakery, more extreme conspiracy theories have emerged, suggesting the space mission was a ‘satanic’ ritual orchestrated by Katy Perry and Jeff Bezos. These theories, circulating online platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), propose a sinister motive behind the celebrity-filled flight.
Katy Perry and Lauren Sanchez journeyed to space aboard a Blue Origin rocket, sparking online conspiracy theories questioning the reality of the event.
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The Blue Origin New Shepard rocket, carrying Kerianne Flynn, Katy Perry, Lauren Sanchez, Aisha Bowe, Gayle King, and Amanda Nguyen, briefly surpassed the recognized boundary of space.
Conspiracy theories proliferated on X, formerly Twitter, with users alleging the Blue Origin mission was a deception.
Psychologists suggest the mission became a ‘perfect storm’ for conspiratorial thinking, blending space exploration, celebrity culture, and the involvement of billionaire Jeff Bezos.
Online Skepticism Echoes Moon Landing Conspiracy Theories
Despite live streams and extensive media coverage of the event, online theorists remain unconvinced. One user on X questioned, ‘Anyone else think that the Blue Origin flight today was a Hollywood fake?’ Another declared it ‘one of the biggest lies in the history of mankind’, emphasizing ‘Hollywood studios have enough technology to produce impressive special effects.’ Further comments included labels like, ‘another Hollywood production of fake space’ and speculations about celebrities being submerged in pools rather than experiencing true weightlessness in space. Similar to conspiracy theories surrounding the moon landings, some users argued that space travel itself is impossible, rendering the flight inherently fraudulent. Flat Earth proponents also contributed, suggesting that space is a fabrication, thus negating any possibility of the rocket’s journey.
One online commenter labelled the mission ‘one of the biggest lies in the history of mankind’, claiming it was a Hollywood production.
A theory posited that the Blue Origin crew were suspended in a swimming pool to simulate weightlessness.
Some conspiracy theorists also asserted the falsity of space itself.
‘Satanic’ Ritual Claims Target Katy Perry and Mission Patch
The presence of high-profile celebrities like Katy Perry and Jeff Bezos further fueled more intense and paranoid conspiracy theories. Many online commentators alleged the mission was not just fake but served as an elaborate satanic or occult ritual, with Katy Perry positioned as a central figure. Accusations on X included claims that ‘Katy Perry, a major occult promoter in the industry, is one of the signs this is fake’. Others linked it to religious contexts, asking, ‘Satanic rituals in the middle of Passover to show they mock God what else would Katy Perry and co be doing at the week of Passover?’ Some questioned the selection of an all-female crew and the purpose of their spaceflight, linking it to broader ‘satan scandal’ narratives.
Mission Patch Scrutinized for ‘Satanic Goat’ Symbolism
Conspiracy theorists scrutinized the NS-31 mission patch worn by the crew, claiming it contained hidden satanic symbolism. One comment declared, ‘Katy Perry is a known Satan worshipper. They are all wearing Satan worshiping labels on their space outfits.’ Another user questioned whether others noticed ‘the logo on Katy Perry and her fellow Blue Origin Space travelers’ patch is the satanic goat with an upside down cross if you flip it over?’
Katy Perry’s involvement led many conspiracy theorists to believe the mission was a ‘satanic’ ritual.
One social media user bizarrely labelled Katy Perry as an ‘occult promoter’.
Mission patches worn by the Blue Origin crew became a focus for theorists claiming they contained concealed satanic symbols.
Psychologists note that theories linking celebrities to satanism are prevalent online, stemming from enduring anxieties about secretive powerful individuals. Here, a user alleges Katy Perry is wearing a concealed satanic goat symbol.
Psychologist Explains Roots of Celebrity and Space Conspiracy Theories
Dr. Daniel Jolley, an expert in the psychology of conspiracies, clarifies these claims are not unprecedented. He states, ‘The idea that celebrities are part of satanic cults or secret rituals is surprisingly common in online conspiracy spaces – It ties into longstanding fears about hidden evil among the powerful, which go back centuries. In the internet age, these old tropes have taken new forms, often blending religious imagery with more modern anxieties about control, manipulation, and media influence. Katy Perry has been a frequent target of these narratives, like many other celebrities, who are seen as powerful.’
Private Spaceflight Adds to Perceived Secrecy
Furthermore, the private funding nature of this spaceflight contributed to a sense of ‘elite’ secrecy, enhancing its appeal to conspiracy theorists. This perceived exclusivity added another layer of suspicion for those inclined to distrust official narratives.
Mission Timeline and Reality of Spaceflight
In reality, the NS-31 mission launched at 14:30 BST (08:30 local time) from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in Texas. The crew included Jeff Bezos’ fiancé Lauren Sánchez, pop star Katy 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 crew capsule beyond the Karman Line, enabling a brief period of weightlessness before safely returning to Earth approximately 11 minutes after launch.
Some users strangely claimed the mission was a satanic ritual intended to ‘mock God’.
Psychologists indicate Katy Perry has been a recurring target of conspiracy theories, with many online believing she is a Satan worshipper.
The combination of mysterious space travel and billionaire Jeff Bezos’ involvement, pictured opening the capsule, fueled conspiracy theories, according to psychologists.
Psychological Factors Fuel Conspiracy Beliefs
However, the circumstances surrounding the mission inadvertently created an environment conducive to conspiracy theories. Psychologists suggest individuals are more susceptible to adopting conspiracy theories when fundamental needs, such as the ‘epistemic’ need for truth and understanding, are unmet.
Professor Karen Douglas, a psychologist from the University of Kent, explained, ‘People are looking for ways to understand what is going on and they don’t like the uncertainty that often surrounds unfolding events. Also, a simple explanation is often not very appealing. People assume that there must somehow be a bigger explanation, or more going on than people know about.’
Space Mystery, Celebrities, and Social Media Amplify Theories
The inherent mystique of space travel, coupled with the involvement of celebrities and billionaire Jeff Bezos, generated uncertainty that allowed conspiracy theories to thrive. Social media platforms further amplify these theories by providing easy access and rapid dissemination.
Professor Douglas notes, ‘It is easy to find and share conspiracy theories on social media. People who are interested in conspiracy theories can find them almost immediately and they can spread rapidly. Once conspiracy theories are out there, they are difficult to quell, especially when some of the facts are still unknown.’