Blue Origin’s upcoming New Shepard mission, NS-31, is generating buzz, but not necessarily for the right reasons. Scheduled to launch on April 14, 2024, from West Texas, this mission features an all-female crew including Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sánchez, Jeff Bezos’s fiancée. While the inclusion of former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn adds a touch of legitimacy, the presence of celebrities raises questions about the mission’s true purpose.
Celebrity Space Tourism: A New Era of Frivolity?
The 11-minute suborbital flight will see the crew experience a few minutes of weightlessness, a fleeting taste of space at a reportedly hefty price. While the exact cost remains undisclosed, previous reports suggest a seat on New Shepard could cost around $1.25 million. This exorbitant price tag contrasts sharply with the struggles faced by government-funded space agencies like NASA, currently facing budget scrutiny and potential workforce reductions. The optics of celebrities enjoying brief space jaunts while NASA grapples with funding challenges are undeniably problematic.
A Question of Merit and Accessibility
Blue Origin emphasizes the mission’s goal of empowering women and inspiring future generations. However, the question remains: does a brief suborbital hop truly empower or inspire? Couldn’t similar outcomes be achieved through less extravagant, more accessible means? The 2021 auction of the first New Shepard seat for $28 million underscores the exclusivity of these ventures, raising concerns about the true democratization of space travel.
From Scientific Payloads to Celebrity Passengers
Previous New Shepard missions have included scientific payloads, contributing to valuable microgravity research. NS-31, however, appears focused on showcasing its all-female crew, led by Sánchez, on a mission to “challenge their perspectives of Earth.” While this framing attempts to imbue the mission with a sense of purpose, it’s hard to ignore the underlying PR undertones. The mission’s stated goals seem achievable without the exorbitant cost and inherent risks of spaceflight.
The Future of Private Spaceflight: Obnoxious or Inspiring?
Blue Origin’s foray into celebrity space tourism marks a shift in the private spaceflight landscape. While the ultimate goal of making space accessible to everyone is laudable, the current reality of exclusive, expensive trips risks alienating the public. The current trajectory of private spaceflight, with its emphasis on celebrity spectacle, could undermine the genuine wonder and scientific potential of space exploration.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity?
While celebrating the all-female crew is important, the underlying concerns about the mission’s purpose and cost remain. NS-31 highlights the growing gap between the dream of accessible space travel and the reality of exclusive, expensive ventures. This mission, while generating headlines, risks reinforcing the perception of space travel as a playground for the wealthy, potentially overshadowing the true value and potential of space exploration for all.
