"Conspiracy Theorists Allege Fake Hand on Blue Origin Craft, Question Katy Perry’s Flight"
Katy Perry’s Blue Origin Space Flight Sparks Conspiracy Theories Over “Fake Hand”
(Images: 1. Viral image of a "fake hand" from a 2017 test flight. 2. Crew of the NS-31 mission. 3. Social media reactions to the hand image.)
Katy Perry’s recent suborbital spaceflight aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket has fueled online conspiracy theories, with skeptics claiming a “fake hand” spotted in a photo proves the mission was a hoax. The image in question, however, is from a 2017 test flight—not the May 2024 NS-31 mission carrying Perry and five others.
The Viral “Mannequin” Claim
Social media users circulated a photo of a synthetic-looking hand visible through the window of a Blue Origin capsule, declaring it proof the flight was staged. “Mannequin confirmed,” one X user wrote. While the hand was artificial, it belonged to a test dummy named “Mannequin Skywalker” launched in 2017—not Perry’s crew. The 2024 mission, which reached 66.5 miles above Earth, was live-streamed and included Perry, Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez, CBS host Gayle King, and others.
(Image: Side-by-side comparison of the 2017 test capsule and the 2024 crew.)
Door-Opening Gaffe Adds Fuel
Conspiracy theories intensified after footage showed the capsule door briefly opening from the inside before Bezos ceremoniously reopened it post-landing. Critics called it “definitive proof” of a staged event. Experts clarified that crew capsules are designed to open from both sides for safety, per NASA standards. The door’s inward design and lack of re-entry burns—common for suborbital flights—also drew scrutiny, though Blue Origin’s brief space exposure explains these features.
(Image: Screenshot of the door-opening moment with social media reactions.)
Why the Theories Persist
Psychologists note conspiracy theories often arise from unmet psychological needs for control or clarity. In this case, skeptics latched onto mismatched details—like the 2017 test capsule’s blue lettering versus the 2024 mission’s black text—to fuel doubt. Despite debunking, claims persist that the crew was swapped with mannequins or the flight was filmed on Earth.
(Image: Infographic explaining the New Shepard mission timeline.)
The Bottom Line
Blue Origin’s NS-31 mission was real, but the viral “fake hand” image—a relic from years prior—shows how easily misinformation spreads. As space tourism grows, so too will public skepticism, blending genuine curiosity with enduring distrust in high-profile endeavors.
Crew of NS-31 Mission
- Lauren Sánchez: Bezos’ fiancée, former news anchor.
- Katy Perry: Pop superstar.
- Gayle King: CBS Mornings co-host.
- Aisha Bowe: Ex-NASA engineer.
- Amanda Nguyen: Civil rights activist.
- Kerianne Flynn: Film producer.
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