Katy Perry revealed that he has been listening to Cosmos, by Carl Sagan, and reading a book on string theory as part of his preparation for the next exclusively feminine spatial flight from Blue Origin.
The pop star shared this revelation on Wednesday, from its rehearsal room in southern California, a few days before traveling to Texas to start their training. There he will join Lauren Sánchez, promised by Jeff Bezos, to the journalist Gayle King and three other women selected for the mission.
“I have always been fascinated by astrophysics, astronomy, astrology and everything related to the universe. In the end, we are all stars dust,” said Perry.
“Every day I tell myself: ‘Be strong, be brave. You do it for the next generations, so that more girls dare to dream of getting to space. Nothing is impossible.”
The singer explained that, to prepare mentally, she has been reading Carl Sagan and other scientific references.
He stressed his enthusiasm to understand the mathematical and engineering challenges behind a space mission and to continue learning about Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
The idea of an exclusively feminine space flight fits with the trajectory of Katy Perry, 40, whose songs have explored from space themes, such as ‘ET’, to messages of female empowerment on issues such as ‘Roar’ and ‘Woman’s World’.
The artist affirms that, every time he faces something new or challenging, he seeks within herself the strength and confidence to move forward.
“I am further using that female divinity with which I was born, and that was undoubtedly enhanced when I became a mother. It definitely rose to another level. Being a mother makes you level up with that type of power,” he said. Her daughter Daisy, 4, accompanied her before her essay.
Jeff Bezos’ rocket company, Blue Origin, announced in February the flight crew, which will be made up of women.
Lauren Sánchez, a helicopter pilot and former television journalist, was in charge of selecting the members who will accompany her in this 10 -minute space mission, which will take off from western Texas aboard a New Shepard rocket. In addition to Sánchez and Perry, the team will be made up of journalist Gayle King; the former NASA rocket scientist and current executive director of an engineering company, Aisha Bowe; the activist and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, Amanda Nguyen; and the film producer, Kerianne Flynn.
“I feel very grateful and honest of being invited to be part of this incredible group of women,” said Perry.
He added that, every time he feels nervous about the trip, he reminds herself how important this mission is and what she represents.
Blue Origin began to make tourist flights to space in 2021, after the historic inaugural trip of Jeff Bezos with her brother. The next one will be the eleventh manned flight. While some passengers have traveled as guests, others have paid great sums to experiment a few minutes of ingrability.
The company avoided commenting who covers the costs of the flight scheduled for this Monday.
The news of the next space flight has not been exempt from criticism. One of the most recent came from actress Olivia Munn, who questioned both the cost of the mission and the media attention it has received. However, Katy Perry argues that a crew composed exclusively of women, the first from the historic solo flight of Valentina Tereshkova in 1963, represents a significant advance.
“It is a key moment for the future of commercial space trips, for humanity in general and, especially, for women,” said Perry, remembering that only 11 % of those who have traveled to space have been women. “I am excited about the idea that this flight contributes to balance that figure. It is time for them to put us in the game.”
Translation of Leticia Zampedri
