We always plan before we go anywhere, whether it's a beach trip or going to cafes, but ever wondered if we can go to space? Katy Perry nailed it by going to space for 11 minutes on 14th April.

A Star Among the Stars

The pop icon joined Blue Origin’s NS-31 suborbital spaceflight, a mission that wasn’t just a thrill ride but a statement. She was part of the first all-female space crew since 1963, flying alongside journalist Gayle King, philanthropist Lauren Sanchez, activist Amanda Nguyen, engineer Aisha Bowe, and producer Kerianne Flynn. The mission was brief, lasting around 10 minutes and 21 seconds, but it crossed the Karman line, the boundary that marks the beginning of space.

What is the Karman line?

The Karman line is an imaginary boundary located 100 kilometers (62 miles) above Earth's surface. It is internationally recognized as the edge of space. Above this line, the atmosphere becomes too thin to support conventional aircraft flight. This is where aeronautics ends and astronautics begins.

Crossing the Karman line means you've officially been to "space" at least by global standards (though some organizations, like the FAA, use slightly different criteria)

Fun Fact: The Karman line is named after Theodore von Karman, a Hungarian-American physicist who was one of the first to calculate that at around 100 km above sea level, the atmosphere becomes too thin for planes to fly, because there’s not enough air for lift!

He said, “From here on, you need rockets.” So technically, Katy Perry didn’t just hit a high note, she hit outer space.

Why Did Katy Go to Space?

Perry’s reason wasn’t just about the adventure. She dedicated the flight to her daughter, Daisy, and carried a daisy with her as a symbol. She described the journey as something she hoped would inspire her child and millions of young girls to dream without limits. It was her way of saying, “The sky is not the limit.”

What Happened Up There?

During the weightless moment, Katy floated in zero gravity, sang “What a Wonderful World,” and held up a handwritten setlist for her upcoming “Lifetimes Tour.” The gesture was part performance, part poetry, capturing a surreal moment of music meeting the cosmos.

Cheers & Criticism:

Like head and tales are two sides of one coin, likewise, cheers and criticism are two sides of everything you do. Katy was loved and criticised for this 11-minute space.

Here’s a breakdown of the criticism and cheers Katy Perry received for her space.

Cheers:

1. A Milestone for Women

The NS-31 mission was the first all-female crewed spaceflight since 1963, celebrated as a step forward for gender representation in space exploration.

2. Inspiring the Next Generation

Katy said the flight was for her daughter, Daisy, and to inspire young girls to dream big. Many praised her for using her platform to motivate youth, especially girls, to reach for the stars, literally.

3. Art Meets Space

Singing “What a Wonderful World” in zero gravity and holding a daisy + tour setlist? Fans and artists admired how she blended creativity with cosmic ambition.

4. Awareness & Visibility

The high-profile mission brought mainstream attention to space travel, STEM careers ( Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), and discussions around inclusivity in scientific fields.

Criticism:

1. Not Real Astronauts?

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffycriticized the mission, saying the participants didn’t qualify as astronauts under FAA standards since they didn’t actively contribute to flight operations.

2. Performative Activism

Some felt the mission was more symbolic than substantial, accusing it of being a publicity stunt rather than meaningful progress.

3. Environmental Concerns

Suborbital space flights release carbon and other emissions, leading to backlash from climate activists about the environmental cost of short, luxury space trips.

4. Privilege & Accessibility

Critics argued that this kind of space tourism is only accessible to the wealthy or famous, and doesn’t reflect broader progress for the average person.

Fun Fact: Katy Perry isn’t the first celebrity to go to space, but she’s the first pop star to sing in zero gravity during an all-female space mission!

Her song choice? “What a Wonderful World” is a perfect soundtrack for floating above Earth, watching the planet from 100 km up. Talk about taking music to new heights, literally!

The world will always have something to say first, the bad, then the good. And Katy Perry is no exception. Her journey to space, though brief, sparked a wave of opinions, ranging from admiration to skepticism. But at its core, this wasn’t just about 11 minutes off the Earth, it was about defying boundaries, breaking molds, and creating conversations that matter.

Sure, Katy faced criticism. Some questioned the authenticity of the mission, others doubted its value, and many couldn’t see beyond the celebrity label. But when you strip away the noise, what remains is a woman stepping out of her comfort zone, not for fame, but for meaning. She didn’t claim to be an astronaut. She didn’t go to space to boast. She went to carry a message for her daughter, for dreamers, and for the generations who need to believe in limitless possibilities.

Even Katy admitted that she somewhat regretted posting about it online, not because she doubted her decision, but because of how quickly joy can be overshadowed by judgment. And that’s such a human moment, to do something extraordinary, only to feel vulnerable afterward. It’s a reminder that no matter how big the stage or how high the flight, we’re all just humans navigating emotion, ambition, and criticism.

At the end of the day, Katy Perry didn’t just reach outer space, she reached hearts. Whether you cheer her on or critique her motives, one thing is certain: She dared to dream differently. And sometimes, that’s the most powerful thing one can do.

So next time you plan a coffee run or a beach trip, remember: someone like Katy planned a journey to the stars, not because she had to, but because she could. And that, in itself, is a message worth remembering.

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