Gayle King and Lauren Sanchez, along with a star-studded team of women, participated in the all-female Blue Origin NS-13 mission, becoming the first all-women crew to visit space since 1963. Despite the historic nature of the mission, celebrities like Amy Schumer, Olivia Wilde, and Olivia Munn publicly criticized the women for participating in the space mission. King addressed the criticism by pointing out that those criticizing the mission may not understand its significance and highlighted the positive response they received from young women and girls about what the mission represents.
Sanchez, the fiancée of Blue Origin founder Jeff Bezos, also responded to the criticism by expressing how it only made her more passionate about the mission. She invited critics to visit Blue Origin and witness the dedication and passion of the employees working on the project. This response came after Munn called the mission “gluttonous” and questioned the need for the women to publicize their trip to space. Schumer also joked about her addition to the crew in an Instagram video, while Wilde mocked Bezos for funding the expensive mission.
The Blue Origin New Shepard 31 launched from the company’s West Texas base with all six crewmates on board, carrying out an 11-minute flight. The mission was designed with a special insignia on the women’s space suits to highlight their names and reflect their individual accomplishments and aspirations. Despite the criticism from some celebrities, the all-female crew embarked on a successful journey to space, marking an important milestone in space exploration and serving as a source of inspiration for future generations of women interested in space travel.
The response from figures like Amy Schumer, Olivia Wilde, and Olivia Munn sparked a debate about the significance and purpose of space tourism missions like the one undertaken by the all-female crew. While some viewed the mission as a symbol of progress and empowerment for women in STEM fields, others criticized it as being unnecessary or extravagant. The women who participated in the mission emphasized the positive impact it could have on inspiring young girls to pursue careers in science and technology and defended their decision to take part in the historic space journey.
The successful completion of the all-female Blue Origin NS-13 mission highlighted the growing interest and involvement of women in space exploration. The crew members shared their excitement and pride in being able to take part in such a groundbreaking mission, showcasing the possibilities available to women in science and technology. Despite the criticism from certain celebrities, the women who participated in the mission remained focused on the importance of their journey in inspiring future generations of women to reach for the stars and pursue their dreams, both on Earth and in space.