Did anyone catch the latest stunt from Amazon’s Blue Origin? It seems like outer space has become quite the playground for celebrities these days, but not everyone is thrilled about it. Recently, a crew comprised mostly of famous faces—including the likes of Gayle King and Katy Perry—took a ride on Blue Origin’s New Shepard for what they dubbed a journey to space. Now, let’s make one thing clear: they barely grazed the edges of space. They reached about 62 miles above Earth, which is more of a swift jaunt than a true cosmic adventure.
The trip lasted a mere 15 minutes, and while that’s quite a leap from the everyday grind, for those in the world of serious space exploration, it felt more like a glorified joyride. When the crew touched down, instead of focusing on scientific discovery or important experiments—things one might expect on a mission to the great beyond—they spent their time mugging for the camera and posting selfies, ready to share their “out-of-this-world” experience with the followers. It feels like the exploration of the final frontier is more about clicks and likes than actual science.
In times past, space travel was undertaken by determined individuals who prepared rigorously for the substantial risks involved. The very first American to fly into space, Alan Shepard, reached an altitude of 116 miles back in 1961, and he was no stranger to the harsh realities of spaceflight. He didn’t pack a cute little flower to stave off homesickness; he was focused on the mission and understood the implications of his journey. Fast forward to today, and it seems the essence of serious exploration has been quite diluted, replaced by a reality TV-style display of celebrity antics.
Pointing out the risks doesn’t make one a killjoy; it’s merely a cautionary tale rooted in history. Tragic incidents like the Challenger disaster remind us that space travel is not a game. Christa McAuliffe, a teacher who was supposed to be an ordinary person stepping into an extraordinary role, lost her life in a mission that went horribly wrong. It’s hard to watch today’s celebrity space tourism unfold without feeling a tinge of discomfort, as if those who came before are being overshadowed by glitterati flying high just for the fun of it.
Elon Musk may have heavy competition in the world of commercial space travel, but at least his ventures seem to suggest a more serious tone about the future of humanity in space. While Katy Perry and Gayle King are undoubtedly entertaining, one cannot help but wish for the return of a focus on true scientific advancement and exploratory spirit. Perhaps if these celebrity flights presented a more grounded understanding of the legacy of space travel, it would honor those who paved the way before them. After all, there’s a vast universe out there waiting for thrilling discovery—not for glamorous photo-ops.
