Olivia Munn recently voiced her skepticism about an upcoming Blue Origin spaceflight featuring Katy Perry, Lauren Sanchez, and other notable women. Munn questioned the mission’s value, highlighting the significant cost in a world where many struggle with basic necessities. This sparked a conversation about celebrities’ involvement in space tourism, prompting us to look at what other stars have said about venturing into the cosmos.
While Munn’s comments generated debate, several celebrities expressed excitement for the all-female Blue Origin crew. Tom Hanks, for example, offered Gayle King encouraging words and advice before her launch. Drew Barrymore also expressed eagerness to hear about King’s experience upon her return. Other celebrities like Viola Davis and Jessica Seinfeld showed their support through social media interactions, while Scooter Braun and Jen Meyer shared enthusiastic comments. The all-female crew represents a historic milestone, the first of its kind since 1963.
However, Munn’s point about the cost and accessibility of space travel raises important questions. She wasn’t entirely against space exploration, but she questioned the practicality of this particular mission, wondering about its tangible benefits for humanity. This highlights a broader discussion about the ethics and priorities of space tourism.
Many other celebrities have publicly shared their perspectives on space travel. Lance Bass, who famously trained for a mission to the International Space Station but ultimately couldn’t go due to an insurance issue, expressed his continued interest, though he prefers a longer mission to a short suborbital flight. William Shatner, after his own unforgettable Blue Origin journey, shared a profound experience, highlighting the stark contrast between the cold emptiness of space and the vibrant life of Earth. This experience deepened his appreciation for our planet.
Michael Strahan described his Blue Origin experience as surreal and awe-inspiring. In contrast, Kim Kardashian, while acknowledging her initial fear, expressed interest in going to space herself if she didn’t have children. Her then-boyfriend, Pete Davidson, was initially set to participate in a Blue Origin flight, but scheduling conflicts prevented him from going.
Elon Musk, though he hasn’t yet personally flown to space, remains ambitious about SpaceX’s plans for Mars colonization, acknowledging the inherent risks involved. Leonardo DiCaprio, meanwhile, has a history of interest in space travel, even having a Virgin Galactic ticket at one point, although he never took the flight. Justin Bieber’s past enthusiasm, including his desire for a space concert, hasn’t yet materialized.
Tom Hanks, a well-known space enthusiast, has been captivated by space since childhood. His passion is evident in his work, including his latest project, _The Moonwalkers_. Despite being on Virgin Galactic’s standby list, he revealed that the high cost of Blue Origin flights prevented him from participating. Ashton Kutcher, another Virgin Galactic hopeful, ultimately decided against the trip due to family considerations and the encouragement of his wife, Mila Kunis.
Prince William, on the other hand, has voiced his concern about prioritizing space exploration over addressing pressing environmental issues on Earth. He prefers to keep his feet firmly on the ground, highlighting a contrasting viewpoint on the allocation of resources. Cameron Diaz, meanwhile, expressed her belief that humanity’s future may lie in space colonization, emphasizing our inherent exploratory nature. Charlize Theron, however, was less enthusiastic, admitting that the experience of watching _Prometheus_ had left her apprehensive about space travel. Paris Hilton, despite initial interest, expressed concerns about the potential for a very long journey, highlighting the vastness of space and the passage of time.
The varying perspectives of these celebrities showcase the multifaceted nature of space travel. It’s a topic that evokes excitement, fear, philosophical debate, and complex ethical considerations about resource allocation and the future of humanity. The conversation continues, and the stars, literally and figuratively, are watching.
