In a recent spectacle that some might characterize as both whimsical and controversial, Jeff Bezos, the founder of Blue Origin and former CEO of Amazon, launched a group of affluent women to the edge of space. This all-female spaceflight has ignited a wave of passionate reactions across social media platforms. Many of these discussions have notably centered on pop singer Katy Perry, who was among the crew members, leading to a fervent debate regarding her status as a true astronaut.

Since the flight's safe return, the internet has become a battleground for opinions about whether Perry can be legitimately labeled an astronaut. This debate has even infiltrated the usually straightforward discussions of Wikipedia editors, who found themselves deliberating over the classification of Perry's latest adventure. Ultimately, they reached a consensus, concluding that Perry does not qualify as an astronaut. One editor, who goes by the username SNUGGUMS, expressed, Im inclined to say no when one brief space trip alone isnt very defining for her career. If there are others she embarks on in the future, then we could reassess the matter. Another editor noted that Perry merely fits the definition of a space tourist, emphasizing that it should not be considered an occupation.

A third editor, RCSCott91, elaborated on the established criteria for astronauts, sharing insights from NASAs stricter definitions. The common understanding of what an astronaut/cosmonaut includes years of training and generally some type of mission, RCSCott91 stated. From the formal perspective of NASA, who more narrowly defined the term, Katy Perry would still not qualify. This sentiment reinforces a traditional view of astronaut qualifications that spans decades of rigorous training and preparation.

Adding fuel to the fire, Sean Duffy, the new Secretary of Transportation, took to social media to weigh in on the topic. In a tweet that seemed to be both a compliment and a slight, Duffy remarked on the crew's bravery while firmly stating, but you cannot identify as an astronaut. They do not meet the FAA astronaut criteria. This comment raised eyebrows and left many wondering why he felt the need to weigh in on an event that some might consider a light-hearted celebration of space tourism.

Meanwhile, Perry's post-flight experience took a more contentious turn when she found herself embroiled in a Twitter spat with the fast-food chain Wendys. After the restaurant tweeted, Can we send her back? in reference to her return from space, a source close to Perry claimed that Wendys owed her an apology. They stated, Wendys didnt make a joke they made a choice. Their recent posts on X aimed at Katy Perry were not only disrespectful but blatantly inappropriate. Despite the backlash, Wendys stood its ground and opted not to apologize, which likely only intensified the public discourse surrounding the incident.

Interestingly, while Perry has been at the forefront of this social media frenzy, it has not gone unnoticed that she was only one of several women who participated in the flight. The disproportionate attention on Perry may be attributed to her decision to use the moment as a promotional opportunity for her upcoming world tour. During the flight, she filmed a video revealing her tours setlist, a move that some have criticized as self-serving. Subsequently, a source mentioned that Perry regretted making a public spectacle out of the experience, suggesting that the publicity may have backfired.

Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge the many accomplished female astronauts who have blazed trails long before this recent flight, highlighting that the term "all-female" has deeper historical significance than just this 10-minute excursion.

In a bizarre twist, the online discourse has also spawned conspiracy theories reminiscent of those surrounding the original moon landing. Some internet users have speculated that the Blue Origin flight may have been staged, pointing to a video of the spacecrafts door appearing to be opened from the inside before Bezos unlocked it. These claims have stirred up the kind of skepticism typically reserved for more serious scientific inquiries, leading many to question the motivations behind such theories.

While the stakes were undeniably high during the Apollo missions, with geopolitical implications intertwined in the race against Russia, the reasons for sending a pop star into space are less clear-cut. Some may argue that it serves merely to maintain the novelty of a billionaires ambitious venture into space tourism, an endeavor that remains largely disconnected from the average persons reality. Nonetheless, this incident only highlights the complex intersections of celebrity culture, technological advancement, and public perception.