Space tourism is gaining momentum. Billionaire Jeff Bezos, founder of Blue Origin, continues to amaze the world with launches of the New Shepard rocket to the edge of space, where passengers see the curvature of the Earth and feel microgravity. However, a recent flight of space tourists, which was all-female and distinguished by an all-star cast, turned out to be scandalous. But where most saw “failure,” Bezos spotted a PR that attracted even more wealthy tourists to his rocket.
The media spread information about the next crew, which could be even more scandalous. Among them are Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, Rihanna and Paris Hilton. Are they willing to risk their reputations for a view of Earth from orbit?
Between space and glamor
According to The Sun, Kim Kardashian was expected to take a seat on Blue Origin’s all-female crew along with Bezos’ bride Lauren Sanchez, TV personality Gayle King and others. The project was discussed seriously: the Kardashian clan even gave Sanchez an exquisite brooch in the form of a spacecraft worth 7,000 dollars. But due to a scheduling conflict and concerns from Kris’ mother about Kim’s safety, Kim refused at the last minute. “Maybe in the future,” the insider leaves hopeful.
After Titanic to the edge of space
Actor Leonardo DiCaprio is another candidate. He once planned to fly aboard Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic spaceplane, but the deal broke down due to the Harvey Weinstein scandal, who tried to sell a seat next to the actor for $1.5 million dollars. DiCaprio has been spotted in the Blue Origin office a lot lately. Does this mean it will finally conquer the pocket boundary of space, the Karman Line (100 km above Earth)? The public is skeptical: they recall that the star is known more for his love of young female companions than rockets.
Rihanna, Bieber, Hilton
Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Paris Hilton are being added to the list of possible space tourists. All of them already have Virgin Galactic tickets purchased that have not yet been used. But whether they will move on to Blue Origin, which is climbing even higher, is an open question. After criticism of Katy Perry’s flight, which was accused of being “wasteful,” stars may be hesitant. While space travel remains a status trend, the risk of losing fan sympathy and reputation is real.
Space tourism is not just entertainment for billionaires. It stimulates technology and lowers the cost of flying. Blue Origin and Virgin Galactic are competing for the lead, and attracting stars makes this race more entertaining. But using celebrities for extra PR turns out to be the other side of the coin, where scandals can ruin attitudes towards space tourism.
As Blue Origin prepares new missions, the world is watching: whether the stars will become part of the space age, or remain on Earth, where their glory is limitless even without rockets. One thing is clear – each such flight will be a step towards a future when space becomes more accessible. But is it for everyone?
