A recent all-female crewed flight on the New Shepard spacecraft has sparked a mix of excitement and criticism from experts. Led by Katy Perry, six women flew into space, but the event also raised questions about the perception of commercial spaceflight as a luxury activity rather than a serious pursuit of scientific discovery.
The rise of commercial spaceflight over the past two decades has brought down the cost of accessing space, marking an essential step towards humanity becoming a spacefaring species. Billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Richard Branson have played a significant role in this shift, with even they taking private flights on their own rockets.
However, the NS-31 flight perpetuates a perception that commercial spaceflight is more about publicity stunts than serious exploration. The fact that Bezos invited his fiancée Lauren Sánchez and Katy Perry on board raises concerns that the event was more focused on generating media attention rather than advancing scientific knowledge.
As Ars Technica, we chose not to cover this event, instead focusing on more significant developments in the field of commercial spaceflight. While it’s understandable to celebrate achievements like this one, it’s essential to remember that serious progress relies on sustained efforts and dedication rather than fleeting glories.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/space/2025/04/so-is-katy-perry-now-an-astronaut-or-what