Katy Perry flew into space today and it went like this
“Happy International Day of Human Space Flight”, shared Katy Perry on April 12 on her Instagram. Today she made those words come true: she really went to space. Because why not, if you've done everything on Earth already? Because flying into space is now possible. At least if you're not afraid and have a full wallet.
Maybe you thought Katy Perry had already experienced it all: multiple world hits, millions of followers, a famous actor as a fiancé (and isn't he handsome: Orlando Bloom), motherhood, and an active role as an activist. One thing was still missing from her impressive resume: a trip to space. And that is exactly the dream she made come true today.
There are a lot of questions about her space trip – so here we list the most frequently asked questions with answers for you.
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What did she fly into space with?
Katy Perry flew with a capsule from Blue Origin, the space company founded by Jeff Bezos. The mission is called NS-31 and is part of the New Shepard program, which aims to open up commercial space travel to “ordinary people” and citizens – as long as you have a well-filled wallet, of course.
Why did Katy Perry fly together with 5 other women?
Blue Origin wants to send a clear message with this flight: the future of space travel is inclusive, diverse, and female. Therefore, the entire crew consists only of women – a first since 1963.
Yes, our one and only Katy is one of the six women on board. The flight is historic, not only because of her presence but because all six seats in the capsule are occupied by powerful women, each with their own superpower and followers.
Who is on board?
Katy Perry – singer, mother, activist, and now also astronaut
Lauren Sánchez – journalist, pilot, and fiancée of Jeff Bezos
Gayle King – American talk show host
Aisha Bowe – NASA rocket scientist and tech entrepreneur
Amanda Nguyen – bio-astronautical researcher and civil rights activist
Kerianne Flynn – filmmaker and investor
Why these six? They all represent a different domain within society – from science and tech to media and culture. Blue Origin wants to show: space travel is no longer just for men in white suits.
From where and at what time did the capsule launch?
The capsule was launched from Corn Ranch, located in Van Horn, Texas. The launch was scheduled for 08:30 local time (in the Netherlands this was 15:30).
Can I watch the trip somewhere?
You could follow the trip live via The Launch Pad's YouTube channel. It didn't last long, but it's definitely worth taking a look at the channel.
How long does such a space trip last?
Shorter than an average episode of MAFS in any case. The capsule ascended to about 100 kilometers altitude (that's ten times higher than a passenger plane flies) and stayed in space for about ten minutes.
During that time, the six women could see the curvature of the Earth, float weightlessly, take selfies (of course). Katy promised: ”I will sing at 100 kilometers high.” After those magical minutes, the capsule returned to Earth and landed safely in the Texas desert.
In total, the women were about 13 minutes off the ground.
How much does such a space trip cost?
Blue Origin does not communicate fixed ticket prices, but insiders estimate that a seat on board costs somewhere between $200,000 and $500,000. Whether Katy Perry paid for herself or was invited as a ‘special guest’ is not known. It is clear that her presence brings a lot of extra media attention – exactly what the company wants of course.
What did Katy have to do for it?
Before the launch, Katy underwent various training sessions: from gravity simulations to medical checks and safety drills. In short: she couldn't just step in and go.
What did she wear in space?
No standard NASA outfit for this mission. The space suits of the women were designed in collaboration with Fernando Garcia and Laura Kim from Oscar de la Renta. Think: bright blue, form-fitting, with flair and a subtle nod to a flared jeans. Functional and fabulous. Do you want to be functional and fabulous here on Earth too? Read this article about 50 and fabulous.
Did she really go into space with makeup?
Yes, natuurlijk. Katy Perry confirmed it herself: “I’m just going into the rocket with makeup.” And that has caused quite a stir. I wondered why, but she thinks it’s justified: ”Why should femininity take a backseat as soon as you put on a spacesuit?” Her makeup has now become the topic of conversation for the mission.
Science and beauty? Yes please. You can read about the perfect makeup routine here.
So… what does this actually mean?
Katy Perry going into space may sound a bit surreal, but it’s also just incredibly special. It shows how far we’ve come since 1963, when Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space.
Today there were six. Six women, each with their own story, talent, and mission. And this historic moment? It will undoubtedly be in the history books of our (grand)children.
Image: Instagram|Katyperry
