Olivia Munn wants celebrities to stay down to Earth — literally. The actress co-hosted Today With Jenna & Friends this week, where she criticized the upcoming all-female space flight organized by Jeff Bezos’ space tech company, Blue Origin. “What are they doing?” she asked. “I know this probably isn’t the cool thing to say, but there are so many other things that are so important in the world right now.”
Munn continued, “I know this is probably obnoxious, but like, it’s so much money to go to space, and there’s a lot of people who can’t even afford eggs.” The Blue Origin space flight, known as the NS-31 expedition, will include high-profile participants such as Katy Perry, CBS Mornings’ Gayle King, NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics research scientist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee Amanda Nguyen, and entrepreneur/film producer Kerianne Flynn. The trip will be led by Lauren Sánchez, who is engaged to Bezos and serves as vice chair of the billionaire’s Earth Fund. This mission marks Blue Origin’s 11th human space flight.
Munn expressed her skepticism about the purpose of the flight. “What’s the point? Is it historic that you guys are going on a ride? I think it’s a bit gluttonous,” she remarked. “Space exploration was to further our knowledge and to help mankind. What are they gonna do up there that has made it better for us down here?”
According to Blue Origin’s Instagram post, the spacecraft’s launch window begins at 8:30 a.m. CT on April 14 in the West Texas high desert. Munn’s comments came during a segment where co-host Jenna Bush Hager noted that the women are expected to spend only about 11 minutes in space. “So you’re on, like, Magic Mountain,” Munn quipped, highlighting the brevity of the trip.
In a recent interview for the cover of Elle magazine, Perry, one of the crew members, expressed excitement about the journey, stating, “We are going to put the ‘ass’ in astronaut.” The crew’s approach to the flight is decidedly glamorous, with Perry indicating that “Space is going to finally be glam.” Sánchez added, “We’re going to have lash extensions flying in the capsule!”
Despite the enthusiasm from the crew, Munn’s remarks reflect a broader critique of the priorities in space exploration. “I just think about — I know this is probably obnoxious but it’s so much money to go to space. There’s a lot of people who can’t even afford eggs,” she reiterated, questioning the morality of such expenditures in light of pressing issues on Earth.
Moreover, Munn pointed out that only one of the six-person crew is an actual astronaut, which further fueled her skepticism about the mission’s significance. “What are you guys gonna do up in space? What are you doing up there?” she asked, emphasizing the lack of substantial scientific purpose behind the flight.
While Munn’s comments have sparked debate, the mission is being framed by its organizers as a significant step for representation in space travel. Bowe noted the importance of showcasing successful women in STEM fields, stating, “This representation really matters. It’s people seeing themselves and being able to show up authentically in their careers in the future.”
Ultimately, the mixed reactions to the upcoming flight reveal a broader conversation about the ethics of space tourism and the responsibilities of those who have the means to explore beyond our planet. Munn’s criticisms resonate with many who question whether such extravagant endeavors are justified when many people are struggling with basic needs.
The all-female crew will fly aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, taking passengers above the Kármán line, which is 62 miles above the Earth. This journey will mark the first all-female crew for Blue Origin and the 11th manned mission overall. The flight comes at a time when Blue Origin is competing with other private space companies, including Elon Musk's SpaceX, for contracts and partnerships with NASA.
As the launch date approaches, the excitement around the mission continues to grow, yet it remains clear that not everyone is on board with the idea of celebrities taking a joyride into space. Munn’s candid remarks serve as a reminder of the ongoing debate about the priorities in space exploration and the responsibilities that come with such significant financial investments.
In conclusion, while the allure of space travel captivates many, it is crucial to consider the implications and responsibilities that accompany such ventures. As Munn poignantly pointed out, there are pressing issues on Earth that demand attention, and the question remains: is a brief jaunt into space worth the cost?
