Katy Perry’s Space Odyssey Turns Into PR Catastrophe—While Martha Stewart Trolls from Earth

In what was billed as a triumphant moment for women in spaceflight, Katy Perry and a crew of high-profile women soared above the Earth aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket on Monday.

But instead of applause, the launch has ignited a firestorm of ridicule, backlash, and brutal commentary—from celebrities, scientists, and even fast food chains.

At the center of the unexpected maelstrom? None other than 83-year-old Martha Stewart, who served up a masterclass in trolling without ever leaving the ground.

The self-proclaimed lifestyle maven—who once served time in federal prison and still came out a brand stronger than ever—casually dropped a throwback video of her own zero-gravity experience from 2006.

Floating gracefully aboard a Zero-G flight in Florida, Stewart performed flips and push-ups in a Boeing 727 while reminding her 8.

7 million followers that she, too, has been weightless—without the need for Bezos’ billion-dollar rocket.

Her caption? A sly “In case you spaced out.”

Martha Stewart: The Real Space OG?

Stewart didn’t need a custom-made space suit or a televised launch to make her point.

Her clip, decades old and performed aboard the only FAA-approved parabolic flight provider, carried a much heavier punch than the 11-minute joyride Perry embarked on.

The implication was clear: weightlessness isn’t new, and certainly not reserved for billionaire-backed PR stunts.

Fans and celebrities quickly caught the shade.

“Expert trolling,” one Instagram user applauded.

Another jabbed, “I don’t remember Martha ever calling herself an astronaut.”

The implication: Stewart did it better, did it first, and never claimed she was conquering the final frontier in the process.

Katy Perry: Pop Star or Space Tourist?

Perry, once celebrated for her advocacy on climate change and women’s empowerment, now finds herself in the crosshairs for what critics are calling a glorified amusement park ride masked as a historic mission.

The all-female crew included Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sanchez, journalist Gayle King, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, and filmmaker Kerianne Flynn.

Together, they experienced roughly three to four minutes of weightlessness at the edge of space.

That was enough for Blue Origin to call them astronauts, but not enough for the internet to take it seriously.

Upon returning to Earth, Perry’s over-the-top theatrics—including kissing the ground, holding up a daisy to the heavens, and delivering a monologue about “belonging and love”—sparked waves of ridicule.

Many pointed out the hypocrisy: How does a rocket launch square with environmental activism? Why romanticize a mission sponsored by a space tourism company led by a man whose business practices and climate impact are frequently questioned?

“This Isn’t Apollo 13, It’s a Carnival Ride”

To add fuel to the cosmic fire, Perry promoted her upcoming tour while floating in zero gravity and sang “What a Wonderful World” during the mission—turning what could have been a solemn moment into a marketing stunt.

Social media did not hold back.

“They spent like 30 seconds in space.

It’s not much more than a glorified amusement park ride,” one commenter sneered.

Even fast-food giant Wendy’s threw shade, commenting under a photo of Perry in her space suit, “Can we send her back?” Meanwhile, rival pop star Kesha joined in, posting a smug selfie with a Wendy’s cup. Ouch.

Where Were the Real Astronauts?

Critics weren’t just mocking the brevity or absurdity of the launch.

They were furious at what they saw as the dilution of the title “astronaut.”

Real astronauts, they argued, spend years training, risking their lives to conduct groundbreaking research.

This crew? They were essentially passengers on a 10-minute suborbital flight.

“This is an insult to every woman scientist, aviator, and astronaut who paved the way,” one Twitter user wrote.

The outrage was bipartisan, cutting across celebrity circles, climate advocates, and space enthusiasts alike.

Environmental Impact Hypocrisy

To make matters worse, the mission’s environmental footprint didn’t go unnoticed.

Although Blue Origin claims their rocket only releases water vapor—a greenhouse gas with significant warming potential at high altitudes—the optics were undeniably bad.

Especially considering Perry’s well-documented history of climate change advocacy, including her work with UNICEF on environmental awareness.

As Dr. Eloise Marais, an atmospheric chemist from University College London, noted, “Water vapor at those altitudes still contributes to ozone depletion and global warming.”

Damage Control: Too Little, Too Late?

Sources close to Perry claim she’s now reconsidering the optics of the mission.

She reportedly regrets the daisy gesture, the promotional antics, and wishes some of the interior capsule footage had never aired.

Too late.

The internet never forgets, and neither does Martha Stewart.

While Perry’s image may need months to recover, Stewart came out of this episode with her brand burnished in gold.

Her simple video reminded the public that you don’t need Bezos’ billions to make a cultural statement—or float in zero gravity.

Just a Boeing 727, some elegance, and a deep understanding of when to drop the perfect post.

Conclusion: A Tale of Two Flights

Katy Perry went to space and ended up back on Earth with her reputation in free fall.

Meanwhile, Martha Stewart floated back into the zeitgeist without leaving her kitchen.

In the battle between billion-dollar branding and effortless legacy, the victor was clear—and she was wearing an apron, not a space suit.

In the end, it’s not about who went to space, but who stayed grounded.