‘Ultimate insult’ to NASA astronauts committed by Katy Perry

After her brief trip to space, Katy Perry has been criticised for her emotional reaction.

Blue Origin set off their historic all-female spaceflight from West Texas on April 14, lasting barely 11 minutes. Six well-known personalities were part of the crew: music sensation Katy Perry, aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, film producer Kerianne Flynn, research scientist Amanda Nguyễn, journalist Gayle King, and Lauren Sánchez, engaged to Jeff Bezos.

Though the journey was brief, people felt something. Gayle King, who seemed very “miserable” before the launch, said the experience was “very quiet and peaceful,” expressing incredulity that she could suddenly call herself an astronaut.

But many viewers felt this historic event—the first all-women space crew since 1963—did not sit right. The flight drew much criticism on social media as some celebrities, including Olivia Munn, questioned its goal and called it “gluttonous.” Many detractors discounted the goal as only a “celebrity joyride.”

Especially under careful inspection after her spectacular return to EarthEarth. Stepping from the rocket, the forty-year-old singer dropped, kissed the EarthEarth, and raised a daisy upward. Users who found this show “cringe-worthy,” especially given recent events involving NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, protested.

Beyond their first eight-day assignment, mechanical issues with their Boeing craft have imprisoned the two astronauts aboard the International Space Station for more than nine months. Since the ocean welcomed their safe return on March 18, others felt Perry’s actions were disrespectful.

One X user said, “Imagine being an astronaut stuck in space for nine months only to see Katy Perry kiss the ground after just 10 minutes.” Still, another added, “Katy Perry kissing the ground after a few minutes in space feels excessive.” I’m curious what Butch and Sunita thought when they saw this.

Perry’s followers flocked to her rescue in the face of criticism. “People just cannot stand to see a woman succeed and be happy,” one admirer said. Let them remain infuriated. Another friend related, ” Honestly, I would too; I completely understand why Katy was kissing the ground after returning from space.”

Other stars have answered the criticism as well. Later, Gayle King justified the trip, claiming it wasn’t ‘frivolous.’ Her remarks, however, showed how cut off she is from modern world events, which infuriated some viewers even more.

Katy Perry’s sincere response to her short space trip has generated a lot of internet debate—some praising her happiness. In contrast, others condemn her lack of compassion for astronauts who had difficulties on their missions.