Conspiracy Theorists Claim Blue Origin’s Katy Perry-Lauren Sanchez Launch Used ‘Worst CGI’
Katy Perry, Lauren Sanchez, and four other women embarked on an 11-minute Blue Origin spaceflight, reaching 66.5 miles above Earth—crossing the Kármán Line into space. However, conspiracy theories quickly erupted online, dismissing the mission as a "Hollywood fake" or even a "satanic ritual."
The Flight and Immediate Backlash
The NS-31 mission, funded by Jeff Bezos, launched from Texas on April 15, 2025, carrying Perry, Sánchez, CBS host Gayle King, activist Amanda Nguyen, former NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, and producer Kerianne Flynn. Despite live coverage, skeptics flooded social media, claiming the footage was CGI or filmed in a studio. Some alleged the crew faked weightlessness in water tanks, while flat-Earth theorists argued space itself is a hoax.
Satanic Panic and Celebrity Conspiracies
Theories took a darker turn, with users accusing Perry—a frequent target of online conspiracies—of leading a "satanic" stunt. Critics pointed to the mission patches, claiming hidden occult symbols like inverted crosses or goat imagery. One tweet read, "Katy Perry has been part of the Satan scandal… Why these women? Why space?"
Dr. Daniel Jolley, a conspiracy psychology expert, noted celebrities and space exploration are ripe for such theories, blending mistrust of elites with historical fears of hidden evil. "These narratives thrive on uncertainty and the allure of secret power," he explained.
Why Conspiracies Gain Traction
Psychologists attribute such beliefs to unmet epistemic needs—the desire for clarity in uncertain situations. Professor Karen Douglas explained, "People crave grand explanations, especially when facts are unclear." The involvement of Bezos, a billionaire, and Perry, a pop icon, fueled perceptions of an "elite" cover-up.
The Reality of NS-31
The mission followed Blue Origin’s standard suborbital trajectory:
- Launch: The New Shepard rocket ascended at 2,300 mph, subjecting the crew to 3G forces.
- Weightlessness: After booster separation, the capsule coasted to 66.5 miles, offering four minutes of zero gravity.
- Return: Parachutes guided the capsule to a desert landing, while the reusable booster touched down nearby.
Social Media’s Role
Experts highlighted how platforms amplify fringe ideas. "Conspiracies spread rapidly online, satisfying the need for instant answers," said Douglas. Despite debunking efforts, theories persist, illustrating the challenge of combating misinformation in the digital age.
While the flight was a milestone for commercial space travel, the backlash underscores a broader crisis of trust in institutions and the seductive power of conspiracy narratives.
