Olivia Munn Questions Blue Origin’s All-Female Space Mission
Actress Olivia Munn has voiced her perspective on Blue Origin’s upcoming all-female space mission, which features prominent figures such as Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sánchez. This historic flight is scheduled for April 14 and represents a milestone as the first all-female crew for Blue Origin, although it is the 11th crewed mission for the company founded by Jeff Bezos.
The mission crew was also highlighted on the cover of Elle magazine, showcasing their journey aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft, which ascends 62 miles above Earth, crossing the Kármán line into space.
Munn’s Concerns
During her appearance on Today With Jenna & Friends, Munn expressed her skepticism regarding the necessity of the mission. “What are they doing? Like, why?” she questioned, adding, “There are so many pressing issues in the world. What are you guys going to accomplish up there?”
When Jenna Bush Hager mentioned that the mission duration would be approximately 11 minutes, Munn humorously likened the experience to a theme park ride, stating, “So, you’re on, like, Magic Mountain.” She further remarked, “If space travel is on the agenda, do you really need to announce it? Just go up, enjoy it, and return quietly. Also, it’s worth noting the staggering costs involved. Meanwhile, there are people struggling to afford basic necessities like eggs!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zxf0g0hjRJ0
Mixed Emotions from the Crew
Despite Munn’s frank commentary, the crew members exhibit varied emotions about the flight. Gayle King has openly expressed her apprehension about the journey, while Katy Perry claims she feels entirely at ease. Bush Hager light-heartedly noted that all crew members are expected to embark on the mission in glamorous fashion.
In a moment of disbelief, Munn reacted, “They said this out loud?” She continued to question the significance of the flight, stating, “Is it truly historic to go on a joyride? It feels somewhat gluttonous. What about the cover of Elle magazine?”
Impact on Space Exploration
With a concern for the broader implications of such missions, Munn argued, “Historically, space exploration was about expanding our understanding and benefiting humanity. What advancements can be claimed from this trip that would positively impact life on Earth?” She further lamented, “Is all that rocket fuel environmentally friendly? It seems like such a huge expenditure of resources.”
Alongside Perry, King, and Sánchez, the crew will also feature notable figures including former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, research scientist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn, marking a significant gathering of women in science and media.