ONTARIO, Calif. (AP) In the midst of preparing for her much-anticipated world tour, pop sensation Katy Perry has found a unique way to unwind after a demanding day of rehearsals. Recently, she shared that she has been diving into the realms of astrophysics and cosmology, taking time to read Carl Sagan's 'Cosmos' and a book on string theory. Perry, who has long harbored a fascination for both astronomy and astrology, expressed her thoughts on our cosmic origins. We are all made of stardust and we all come from the stars, she mused, reflecting on the profound connection between humanity and the universe.

However, Perry's interest goes beyond mere curiosity; it is fueled by her upcoming adventure. On Monday, she is set to embark on a groundbreaking all-female spaceflight with Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos. This remarkable flight will include prominent figures such as Lauren Sanchez, Bezos fiance and a helicopter pilot, renowned journalist Gayle King, and three other talented women. Perry opened up to The Associated Press during a recent interview at her rehearsal space in Southern California, mere days before her training session in Texas.

Every day I tell myself, Youre brave, youre bold, you are doing this for the next generation, Perry said, emphasizing her desire to inspire young girls everywhere to dream big and envision a future where they too can explore space without limitations. She passionately stated, I want them to think, Ill go to space in the future.

In preparation for the flight, Perry has been engaging in psychological exercises, using her readings and reflections to bolster her mindset. Im really excited about the engineering of it all. Im eager to delve deeper into STEM and understand the mathematics involved in accomplishing such a feat, she said, demonstrating her commitment to both learning and inspiring.

The journey to space aligns seamlessly with Perry's career, which features a string of hits that celebrate themes of empowerment, such as her anthem Roar and the explosive imagery of Firework. Furthermore, her fascination with extraterrestrial life is evident in her song E.T. As she prepares for this remarkable voyage, Perry acknowledges her personal growth and strength, particularly since becoming a mother. Using that feminine divine that I was born with and definitely unlocked when I had my daughter even more. It leveled up for sure, she shared, referring to her four-year-old daughter, Daisy, who was present at her rehearsal.

Blue Origin first announced the all-female crew in February, highlighting the historic nature of this mission. The group will experience a brief, ten-minute journey aboard a New Shepard rocket, launching from West Texas. Alongside Perry, Sanchez, and King, the crew features Aisha Bowe, a former NASA rocket scientist who now leads an engineering firm, research scientist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. I am feeling so grateful and grounded and honored to be invited and included with this incredible group of women, Perry remarked, expressing her appreciation for the opportunity.

Since its inception, Blue Origin has been conducting suborbital tourist flights, starting in 2021 when Jeff Bezos made his first journey into space alongside his brother. This upcoming mission will mark the company's 11th human spaceflight. While some passengers have traveled for free, others have paid significant amounts to experience the exhilaration of weightlessness. However, the company has not disclosed who is funding this particular flight.

The announcement of Perrys spaceflight has sparked a mix of reactions, including criticism from other celebrities like Olivia Munn, who raised concerns about the mission's expense and the publicity surrounding it. Despite this, Perry remains steadfast in her belief that this all-women crew the first to embark on such a journey since Valentina Tereshkova's solo flight in 1963 represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of commercial space travel. Its an important moment for the future of commercial space travel and for humanity in general and for women all around, she asserted, noting that only about 11% of those who have ventured into space have been women. Im excited for that number to become more equal after this flight. And I just feel like, Put us in coach.