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“But the last FAA guidelines under the Commercial Space Astronaut Wings Program were clear: Crewmembers who travel into space must have ‘demonstrated activities during flight that were essential to public safety, or contributed to human space flight safety.’”
Duffy added:
“The crew who flew to space this week on an automated flight by Blue Origin were brave and glam, but you cannot identify as an astronaut. They do not meet the FAA astronaut criteria.”
Translation: You can’t just buy a seat on a spaceship and call yourself an astronaut.
Katy Perry, now 40, shared that the journey helped her connect to the “strong divine feminine”—a statement that raised more eyebrows than applause. She also referenced her involvement in the “Hoffman Process,” a form of spiritual therapy that includes Eastern mysticism and deep introspection.
To many, it sounded more like a new-age retreat than a space mission.
And with the cost of these joyrides reportedly running into the hundreds of thousands of dollars—not to mention the environmental impact of each launch—critics were quick to ask whether this was progress or just expensive playtime for the rich and famous.
Could she have just tried ayahuasca instead?
Despite the media hype surrounding the launch, including dramatic coverage and glowing interviews, many Americans weren’t buying it. The whole thing felt more like a PR stunt than a pioneering expedition.
Even Gayle King, who joined Perry on the trip, became frustrated with the backlash, saying critics were “diminishing” the mission by referring to it as just “a ride.”
But that’s exactly what it was.
The Blue Origin spacecraft, New Shepard, runs on a fully automated system. There was no piloting, no mission-critical task, and certainly no scientific research being conducted on board. These weren’t astronauts—they were passengers.
Real astronauts undergo years—sometimes decades—of rigorous physical training, engineering education, and military-grade discipline. They live under pressure in orbiting labs, conduct cutting-edge research, and face real risks.
Katy Perry, meanwhile, took an 11-minute ride and came back with spiritual vibes.
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That’s not to say the women on board were unworthy of admiration. They were brave, yes. Glamorous, absolutely. But astronauts? That title is earned—not purchased.
Let’s not pretend a celebrity field trip to the stratosphere is on par with the legacy of Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, or the engineers behind Apollo missions. What Perry and her crew experienced was exciting, sure—but calling it “astronaut-level” disrespects the countless pioneers who sacrificed blood, sweat, and sometimes their lives, to truly explore the final frontier.
If Katy Perry wants to reconnect with her divine feminine energy, that’s her choice. But let’s not rewrite the definition of “astronaut” to make room for another Hollywood ego trip.
There’s a difference between touching space—and actually belonging there.
