A Stellar Journey Sparks Debate

This week’s launch of the New Shepard spacecraft, NS-31, featuring an all-female crew led by music icon Katy Perry, has ignited a whirlwind of media attention—from gossip columns to esteemed journalism. But why this fuss over six women venturing into space? Because it’s Katy Perry, and let's face it, that’s bound to catch headlines!

Yet, not everyone is celebrating. Some commentators feel that the hype surrounding the flight trivializes the significant, evolving landscape of commercial space travel, a realm accelerated largely by billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos. Remember those summer sky antics of 2021? They certainly shaped the narrative of space tourism as extravagant boyish escapades, and NS-31 appears to continue that trend.

When Glamour Meets Controversy

The underlying reasons for this particular flight are suspect. It seems Bezos was keen on sending his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, skyward along with some star-studded company like Perry, turning the flight into a media spectacle. However, many feel such glitz trivializes the vital advancements being made in the commercial space sector.

Government Takes a Stand

Things took an interesting turn when Sean Duffy, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, weighed in on social media, declaring, "You cannot identify as an astronaut". He referenced FAA guidelines that state crew members must conduct essential activities for safety to earn the ‘astronaut’ title.

This remark from Duffy holds weight, especially since the FAA had previously distanced itself from defining who qualifies as an astronaut. In fact, the agency once offered 'Astronaut Wings' to private individuals who flew above 50 miles, but they stopped issuing these distinctions back in 2021.

The Astronaut Debate Rages On

Despite Duffy's proclamation, the ongoing debate remains: Are space tourists truly astronauts? Many argue that anyone who travels above 80 kilometers qualifies as one, even if their training differs vastly from professional astronauts at NASA.

In Defense of Aspirational Titles

So, why did Duffy ignite this conversation? It could be a political jab at a high-profile celebrity associated with Democrats, or perhaps a subtle shot in the ongoing rivalry between space moguls like Musk and Bezos. Regardless, personal preferences about Perry’s music or affiliations shouldn’t dictate her identity. If she feels like an astronaut, who can say otherwise?

In the end, it’s a privilege to witness space tourism transforming our possibilities. Let’s cheer on all those who dare to reach for the stars, including Perry and her remarkable crew.