Latest news with #NS-31
Hans India
a day ago
- Science
- Hans India
Blue Origin to launch six more civilians to edge of space this weekend
Blue Origin is preparing to send six civilians on a thrilling journey to the edge of space this weekend aboard its New Shepard rocket, continuing its mission to make space travel accessible to private individuals. The upcoming launch, the company's 12th crewed flight, will lift off from its launch site in west Texas and will be livestreamed for viewers worldwide. Since its first human mission in July 2021 — which included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos — New Shepard has carried 58 people beyond the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space, located over 100 kilometers above Earth. Passengers will experience several minutes of weightlessness and enjoy breathtaking views of Earth through the capsule's large windows during the roughly 10-minute flight. Blue Origin aims to offer paying customers a unique taste of space travel without the need for extensive astronaut training. Highlighting the growing interest in space tourism, pop star Katy Perry recently flew aboard an all-women crew on Blue Origin's NS-31 mission, which also included Bezos' fiancée Lauren Sanchez. As Blue Origin races alongside other private companies to commercialize spaceflight, this weekend's launch marks another step toward the company's vision of millions of people living and working in space. Viewers can watch the full lift-off, space journey, and safe return via Blue Origin's official livestream broadcast.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Space tourism's growth blurs the line between scientific and symbolic achievement – a tourism scholar explains how
On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin launched six women – Aisha Bowe, Amanda Nguyễn, Gayle King, Katy Perry, Kerianne Flynn and Lauren Sánchez – on a suborbital journey to the edge of space. The headlines called it a historic moment for women in space. But as a tourism educator, I paused – not because I questioned their experience, but because I questioned the language. Were they astronauts or space tourists? The distinction matters – not just for accuracy, but for understanding how experience, symbolism and motivation shape travel today. In tourism studies, my colleagues and I often ask what motivates travel and makes it a meaningful experience. These women crossed a boundary by leaving Earth's surface. But they also stepped into a controversy about a symbolic one: the blurred line between astronaut and tourist, between scientific achievement and curated experience. This flight wasn't just about the altitude they flew to – it was about what it meant. As commercial space travel becomes more accessible to civilians, more people are joining spaceflights not as scientists or mission specialists, but as invited guests or paying participants. The line between astronaut and space tourist is becoming increasingly blurred. In my own work, I explore how travelers find meaning in the way their journeys are framed. A tourism studies perspective can help unpack how experiences like the Blue Origin flight are designed, marketed and ultimately understood by travelers and the tourism industry. So, were these passengers astronauts? Not in the traditional sense. They weren't selected through NASA's rigorous training protocols, nor were they conducting research or exploration in orbit. Instead, they belong to a new category: space tourists. These are participants in a crafted, symbolic journey that reflects how commercial spaceflight is redefining what it means to go to space. Space tourism has its origins in 1986 with the launch of the Mir space station, which later became the first orbital platform to host nonprofessional astronauts. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Mir and its successor, the International Space Station, welcomed a handful of privately funded civilian guests – most notably U.S. businessman Dennis Tito in 2001, often cited as the first space tourist. Space tourism has since evolved into a niche market selling brief encounters to the edge of Earth's atmosphere. While passengers on the NS-31 flight did not purchase their seats, the experience mirrors those sold by commercial space tourism providers such as Virgin Galactic. Like other forms of niche tourism – wellness retreats, heritage trails or extreme adventures – space travel appeals to those drawn to novelty, exclusivity and status, regardless of whether they purchased the ticket. These suborbital flights may last just minutes, but they offer something far more lasting: prestige, personal storytelling and the feeling of participating in something rare. Space tourism sells the experience of being somewhere few have visited, not the destination itself. For many, even a 10-minute flight can fulfill a deeply personal milestone. The push-and-pull theory in tourism studies helps explain why people might want to pursue space travel. Push factors – internal desires such as curiosity, an urge to escape or an eagerness to gain fame – spark interest. Pull factors – external elements such as wishing to see the view of Earth from above or experience the sensation of weightlessness – enhance the appeal. Space tourism taps into both. It's fueled by the internal drive to do something extraordinary and the external attraction of a highly choreographed, emotional experience. These flights are often branded – not necessarily with flashy logos, but through storytelling and design choices that make the experience feel iconic. For example, while the New Shepard rocket the women traveled in doesn't carry a separate emblem, it features the company's name, Blue Origin, in bold letters along the side. Passengers wear personalized flight suits, pose for preflight photos and receive mission patches or certificates, all designed to echo the rituals of professional space missions. What's being sold is an 'astronaut-for-a-day' experience: emotionally powerful, visually compelling and rich with symbolism. But under tourism classifications, these travelers are space tourists – participants in a curated, short-duration excursion. The image from the Blue Origin flight of six women boarding a rocket was framed as a symbolic victory – a girl-power moment designed for visibility and celebration – but it was also carefully curated. This wasn't the first time women entered space. Since its inception, NASA has selected 61 women as astronaut candidates, many of them making groundbreaking contributions to space science and exploration. Sally Ride, Mae Jemison, Christina Koch and Jessica Meir not only entered space – they trained as astronauts and contributed significantly to science, engineering and long-duration missions. Their journeys marked historic achievements in space exploration rather than curated moments in tourism. Recognizing their legacy is important as commercial spaceflight creates new kinds of unique, tailored experiences, ones shaped more by media performance than by scientific milestones. The Blue Origin flight was not a scientific mission but rather was framed as a symbolic event. In tourism, companies, marketers and media outlets often create these performances to maximize their visibility. SpaceX has taken a similar approach with its Inspiration4 mission, turning a private orbital flight into a global media event complete with a Netflix documentary and emotional storytelling. The Blue Origin flight sold a feeling of progress while blending the roles between astronaut and guest. For Blue Origin, the symbolic value was significant. By launching the first all-female crew into suborbital space, the company was able to claim a historic milestone – one that aligned them with inclusion – without the cost, complexity or risk associated with a scientific mission. In doing so, they generated enormous media attention. In today's world, space travel is all about the story that gets told about the flight. From curated visuals to social media posts and press coverage, much of the experience's meaning is shaped by marketing and media. Understanding that process matters – not just for scholars or industry insiders, but for members of the public, who follow these trips through the narratives produced by the companies' marketing teams and media outlets. Another theory in tourism studies describes how destinations evolve over time – from exploration, to development, to mass adoption. Many forms of tourism begin in an exploration phase, accessible only to the wealthy or well connected. For example, the Grand Tour of Europe was once a rite of passage for aristocrats. Its legacy helped shape and develop modern travel. Right now, space tourism is in the exploration stage. It's expensive, exclusive and available only to a few. There's limited infrastructure to support it, and companies are still experimenting with what the experience should look like. This isn't mass tourism yet, it's more like a high-profile playground for early adopters, drawing media attention and curiosity with every launch. Advances in technology, economic shifts and changing cultural norms can increase access to unique destinations that start as out of bounds to a majority of tourists. Space tourism could be the next to evolve this way in the tourism industry. How it's framed now – who gets to go, how the participants are labeled and how their stories are told – will set the tone moving forward. Understanding these trips helps people see how society packages and sells an inspirational experience long before most people can afford to join the journey. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Betsy Pudliner, University of Wisconsin-Stout Read more: SpaceX Inspiration4 mission sent 4 people with minimal training into orbit – and brought space tourism closer to reality Space tourism is here – 20 years after the first stellar tourist, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin plans to send civilians to space Danger, prestige and authenticity draw thrill-seekers to adventure tourism Betsy Pudliner is affiliated with International Council of Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Educators.
Daily Tribune
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Tribune
Katy Perry revealed how she returned from space to ‘best reality' of quiet home life
Bang Showbiz | Los Angeles Katy Perry returned from space this week to what she called 'the best reality' – preparing her daughter's school lunch. The 40-year-old pop star became part of history as a member of Blue Origin's first all-female flight crew, and shared a photo on Instagram on Wednesday (16.04.25), showing a lunchbox she had packed for her fouryear-old daughter, Daisy. Alongside pretzels, carrot sticks and pineapple chunks, the singer included a slice of bread shaped like a star in the package. 'Back to the best reality, packing school lunch,' she wrote on the image, adding a heart and flower emoji. Katy was one of six women to board Blue Origin's NS-31 flight, which launched from West Texas on Monday, 14 April. The brief mission lasted approximately 11 minutes and marked the company's first all-woman spaceflight. Also on board were journalist Gayle King, 69, philanthropist Lauren Sánchez, 54, astronaut and bioastronautics researcher Amanda Nguyen, 33, NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, 38, and filmmaker Kerianne Flynn, 36. Although the mission was lauded as historic, it was met with a mix of celebration and online ridicule. Memes appeared on social media following the flight, mocking both the short duration of the trip and Katy's emotional return, during which she was photographed kissing the ground. Fast food chain Wendy's posted a response to a news update stating: 'Katy Perry has returned from space,' adding: 'Can we send her back.' Despite the criticism, Katy expressed pride in the journey. In an Instagram post shared on Tuesday, she described the spaceflight as an 'incredible journey' and revealed she had shared the experience with her girl Daisy, who wore an astronaut costume while watching her mother's return. She also brought a symbolic memento into space – a small daisy, in tribute to her daughter – which she held up as she exited the capsule. Speaking to reporters after the landing, Katy said: 'This experience is second to being a mom. That's why it was hard for me to go because that's all my love right there, and I have to surrender and trust that the universe is going to take care of me and protect me and also my family and daughter.'
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Luke Bryan Details Talking to Katy Perry Post-Blue Origin Space Flight
Originally appeared on E! Online loves the way Katy Perry is letting it shine. After the former American Idol judge headed into space alongside Gayle King, Jeff Bezos' fiancée Lauren Sánchez, and three others on a Blue Origin flight, her former colleague shared his reaction for the feat and what the 'Firework' singer told him once she returned to Earth. 'I remember when I heard the news that she was going I was like, 'Wow, that's crazy that you're getting to go,'' Luke told E! News ahead of the American Idol Top 14 show April 21. 'But now when she got back safe I was like, 'Oh my god, wow. Awesome.'' And the 'Country Girl' singer—who worked with Katy for seven seasons on the reality singing series—even shared that he got to briefly catch up with Katy via text following her return to Earth. 'I'll be interested to hear her version of it,' he explained. 'She was just like, 'It was just totally crazy.' She didn't really elaborate more than that. But I'm just glad everybody made it home safe.' (For more from Luke and the rest of the American Idol cast, tune into E! News tonight, April 22, at 11 p.m.) More from E! Online Kanye West Says He Had Past Incestuous Relationship With Cousin Timothée Chalamet's Mom Shares Insight Into Kylie Jenner Romance Texas Politician Bobbie Mitchell Hospitalized, Husband Dead After Being Stabbed By Grandson And while Luke is not itching to leave Earth's atmosphere, he was invested in the trip—which also featured Aisha Brown, Amanda Nguyen, and Kerianne Flynn. As he put it, 'I was sucked into the moment.' Meanwhile, Katy's other former American Idol colleagues were just as proud—although also not in any rush to recreate her big space adventure themselves. 'I'm very, very happy that she did it and got back safely,' host explained. 'She's braver than I am.' Carrie Underwood—who replaced Katy for season 23 of the series, joining the show along with Artist in Residence Jelly Roll—called the experience 'crazy' and 'amazing,' but admitted, 'I'm good on the ground.' As for Lionel Richie—who has also been on American Idol since 2018—he emphasized he wouldn't go to space if his 'life depended on it,' but was sure Katy would enjoy the experience. 'When she said she was going to space I said, 'You go right on,'' he said. 'I'll stay right down here. I didn't give her any advice because you know Katy. She's going to do exactly what she wants to do. But let me just say this to you. I'm not going anywhere. I told her, 'I'll wait here.' God bless it, she came back.' For everything to know about Katy's recent space excursion, keep reading… —Reporting by Nikki Novak What Is Blue Origin?What Is New Shepard?When and Where Is the Launch for New Shepard's NS-31 Mission?What Will New Shepard's Journey for the NS-31 Mission Look Like and How Long Will it Take?Who Is Part of the Crew for Blue Origin's NS-31 Mission?What Are Some of the NS-31 Crew's Reasons for Going to Space?Does the Crew for the NS-31 Mission Go Through Any Training?Does the Crew Get to Bring Any Personal Belongings to Space?What Have Other Stars Said About Blue Origin's NS-31 Mission? For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
Malay Mail
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Beef in orbit: Wendy's says it ‘respects' Katy Perry after fan fury over ‘Can we send her back?' diss
LOS ANGELES, April 21 — Wendy's is putting down the Twitter spatula after taking heat for some fast-fried shade aimed at pop superstar (and now part-time astronaut) Katy Perry. The burger chain, known for flipping patties and sass online, found itself grilled by Perry fans when it responded to news of her Blue Origin spaceflight with the zinger: 'Can we send her back?' That post — fired off after Pop Crave reported Perry had 'returned from space' — didn't land well. While it was likely meant as a cheeky jab, Perry's devoted fanbase didn't find it funny. The backlash was swift, fiery, and full of extra pickles. Can we send her back — Wendy's (@Wendys) April 15, 2025 Wendy's has since tried to cool things down, telling Entertainment Weekly and People, 'We always bring a little spice to our socials, but Wendy's has a ton of respect for Katy Perry and her out-of-this-world-talent.' Translation: We're still sassy, but we're not heartless — and not quite sorry. Perry had rocketed off on April 14 aboard Blue Origin's NS-31 mission — an all-female crew that included Gayle King, Lauren Sánchez, former Nasa scientist Aisha Bowe, space researcher Amanda Nguyen and producer Kerianne Flynn. The six became the first all-woman space crew in over six decades. The pop star paused her chart-topping duties to float above Earth for 11 minutes, later saying the trip was 'all for the benefit of Earth' and that she wanted to 'model courage and worthiness and fearlessness.' Still, not everyone was starry-eyed. The celebrity-studded space jaunt, cheered on by Oprah Winfrey, Kris Jenner, and Khloé Kardashian, was also panned online as being tone-deaf. Emily Ratajkowski, Olivia Wilde, and Olivia Munn were among the names to steer clear. But Katy's not here for the cynics. 'I feel super connected to love,' she said post-landing, sharing that she had to 'surrender' to the universe and take the leap, even as a mother. As for Wendy's? It's back on Earth and — at least for now — off the launchpad of petty posts.
