In Southern California, pop icon Katy Perry has been preparing for an extraordinary journey beyond her upcoming world tour. After rigorous rehearsals, she unwinds with books delving into the cosmos.
Perry shared, "I was engrossed in Carl Sagan's 'Cosmos' and a book on string theory." She expressed a long-standing fascination with astrophysics, astronomy, astrology, and the stars, emphasizing the concept that "we are all made of stardust."
Her motivation goes beyond mere curiosity. She is set to join Lauren Sanchez, Jeff Bezos' fiancée, along with journalist Gayle King and three other women on an all-female Blue Origin spaceflight. Perry discussed this impending journey during a break at her Southern California rehearsal space, just before heading to Texas for training.
“I keep reminding myself that I'm brave and bold, doing this to inspire the next generation, especially young girls, to dream of space travel without limitations,” Perry stated.
Perry mentioned that she has been mentally preparing by reading Sagan and other scientists.
"The engineering aspect excites me. I'm eager to learn more about STEM and the math behind this achievement," she added.
For Perry, this all-female spaceflight aligns with her artistic themes, reflecting songs about extraterrestrials (“E.T.”), spectacular displays (“Firework”), and empowerment anthems like “Roar” and “WOMAN'S WORLD.”
Perry draws inner strength from within when facing new challenges.
"I tap into the feminine divine, which was amplified when I had my daughter. Motherhood definitely heightened that power," Perry explained. Her 4-year-old daughter, Daisy, was present before the rehearsal.
Blue Origin, Bezos' space venture, announced the crew in February. Sanchez selected the women for the 10-minute spaceflight from West Texas aboard a New Shepard rocket. Alongside Perry, Sanchez, and King, the crew includes Aisha Bowe, an ex-NASA rocket scientist and engineering firm leader; research scientist Amanda Nguyen; and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
Perry expressed gratitude for the invitation to join this remarkable group, reaffirming the importance of the mission whenever nervousness creeps in.
Since 2021, Blue Origin has offered brief space excursions, with Bezos and his brother on the initial flight. This forthcoming mission marks the company's 11th human spaceflight. While some passengers received complimentary rides, others paid significant amounts for the experience. Blue Origin has not disclosed who is covering the costs for Monday’s flight.
The announcement has faced criticism, including remarks from actress Olivia Munn regarding the mission’s expense and publicity. Nevertheless, Perry views the all-female crew—the first since Valentina Tereshkova's solo spaceflight in 1963—as historically significant.
“This is pivotal for commercial space travel, humanity, and women worldwide," she stated, highlighting that only approximately 11% of space travelers have been women. "I'm excited to see that number become more equitable. Let's get more women into space.”