Katy Perry accomplished quite a feat, one that many would likely concur with. By participating as what was dubbed an “astronaut” for about ten minutes, she managed to bring people from around the globe together. They were unified in their synchronized mockery of Katy Perry. After her memorable space venture not too long ago, Perry reflected, saying, “Until the moment of blast-off, you might not realize just how much love resides within you—the capacity to give your love and receive affection.”
I suppose you aren’t aware of how absurd you appear to others until Jeff Bezos sends you up in his symbolic rocket to outer space.
Perry, should you be among those fortunate enough to have been unaware of this event, recently created some buzz by becoming part of an exclusively female flight team for a breathtaking trip beyond the stratosphere with Blue Origin. Onboard were notable figures like Gayle King, Oprah Winfrey’s close associate, along with Jeff Bezos’ spouse, Lauren Sanchez. They were accompanied by accomplished astronauts including Aisha Bowe and prominent civil rights advocate and bioastronautics scholar Amanda Nguyen.
The team wore custom-made
Star Trek
-sleek jumpsuits and were launched 106 kilometers above the Earth, where they spent 11 minutes, before descending back to the ground/reality.
Recall that during the COVID-19 pandemic, a collection of celebrities, with actor Gal Gadot at the forefront, joined forces to perform a song.
Imagine
In a sincere effort to help people cope with staying at home while watching their loved ones fall ill and pass away due to COVID-19, the song managed to achieve some success. It momentarily distracted the whole globe from its pandemic troubles, uniting everyone in disdain towards clueless celebrities instead.
The same energy resonates with me. Picture all the individuals.
This Perry voyage was meant to highlight female empowerment or promote her new album, perhaps both, but it was also intended as a preview of future travel. We were told this is how things might look in the coming decades: folks decked out in stylish attire, shelling out massive sums to release harmful emissions into the air just for a brief stint in space (along with the sobering realization that nobody likes you).
Certainly, when I use “we,” I am referring neither to you nor myself. While space tourism may become somewhat more available within the coming ten years or so, true accessibility won’t really happen. It will continue being an exclusive adventure for the ultra-wealthy, even though eventually you might not have to rub shoulders with someone like Oprah just to secure a spot.
When it comes to promoting the thrilling prospect of air travel, this advertisement likely fared about as well as Perry’s latest album release. Instead of showcasing its benefits, it underscored its major drawbacks. Is this really the direction we’re heading? Do we actually desire our travels to resemble this? Certainly not.
Once more, we can make parallels with those “flights to nowhere” that gained popularity back when—yes—the COVID-19 pandemic struck. During The Forgotten Era of Our Conversations Past, struggling travel firms started proposing pleasure trips aimed at viewing the Southern Lights, as well as sightseeing tours above Antarctica.
This would maintain pilots in flight, ensure aircraft operation, and support business stability.
Everything seemed positive; nonetheless, it ignited discussions regarding the damage we inflict upon the environment in our quest for pleasure. Many questioned whether it’s truly justified to soar above an untouched terrain merely to return home, considering the ecological price tag attached to such activities.
The response was a clear “no,” which contributes significantly to why such experiences aren’t as prevalent nowadays. It’s not merely about idly watching events unfold; it’s like pouring aviation fuel onto the flames.
What about space travel, the upcoming challenge, an adventure that you can only imagine for now? The Blue Origin mission made these aspects very clear: its drawbacks, its extravagance, and its unpleasant self-centered nature.
Its lack of payoff, too. Surely the knowledge of how much you’re loved and can love is not enough reward for the hundreds of thousands of dollars you will have to pay for a brief tour of Earth’s outer layers.
Of course, more wealthy individuals will desire to venture into space. Similarly, many affluent folks would likely still wish to catch a glimpse of the Titanic.
However, it’s evident now that this isn’t the future we aspire towards, nor is it something any average person should get enthusiastic over. It simply doesn’t suit large-scale transportation needs or appeal from a desirability standpoint.
The curtain has been drawn back from our vision. And because of this, we can all unite and express gratitude to a pop icon, a wealthy philanthropist, and a handful of genuine spacemen.
