Was the blue origin NS-31 launch actually a mean-
ingful leap for gender equality, or just a flashy and

expensive distraction? Was this highly publicised
event really just overpaid people on a billionaire’s version of
a Disney theme park ride?
At 8:30 am, April 14th 2025, an all female crew flew into
space, marking history for one of the most controversial
launches to take place in the 21st century. After 11
excruciatingly long minutes in space, the blue origin crew –
which included pop star Katy Perry, journalist Aisha Bowe,
and activist Amanda Nguyen – returned to earth safe and
sound and kissed the ground.

The flight, NS-31, was a high profile event, with Oprah re-
portedly supporting Gayle King, who was an “astronaut” of

the group. Unsurprisingly, the mission faced a lot of back-
lash due to its extravagance and many have questioned the

necessity and timing of such a lavish project – given the high
costs and severe environmental impact of rocket launches.

You see, blue origin heavily promoted the mission as a mile-
stone for gender representation in space and extensively

“glammed the crew up” for the cameras. Company owner
Jeff Bezoz positioned this stunt as a celebration of women’s
achievements – but did he end up coming across as tone deaf
instead?
The aim of the mission may have been to execute something
historical,but many critics see it as hypocritical instead. One
could argue that it provided excellent visibility to women in
a field long dominated by men, and was inspiring for future
generations. After all, only 105 women have ever strapped up
in spacesuits, compared to the 558 men. But the event was
so focused on celebrity participants and the obvious setup of
being a PR scheme made the mission rocket past real issues,
especially with the current state of the world right now, not
to mention the co2 emissions involved (blue Origin’s 11
minute space flight produced more carbon emissions than
most people will in a lifetime).
The ride seemed disconnected, unconscious, and focused on
appearance and spectacle instead of substance – and many

believed it was an insult to real female astronauts them-
selves. NS-31 was undoubtedly a spectacle but shouldn’t be

framed as social progress, according to many veteran
astronauts who argue that it cheapens the astronaut title.
Blue Origin’s passengers sang and filmed videos –

a prettystark contrast to real missions’ physical and mental demands.

The backlash highlights a growing discomfort with
billionaire-led space tourism, especially when it’s so
hypocritically framed as a social progress. And if the goal
was to really promote equality – a glamorised space launch
shouldn’t be the priority! Jeff Bezos owns a substantial
number of powerful companies and a person with the means
to do some real change – what about funding more stem

education programs? Or enforce internships and mentor-
ships for more diverse candidates? Or Bezos should aim

to support women-led space missions with actual scientific
goals and not just PR; we need less glitz and more gravity.