Blue Origin’s All-Female Spaceflight Sparks Conspiracy Theories Amid Viral Speculations
Blue Origin’s recent all-female suborbital spaceflight, featuring celebrities like Katy Perry and Gayle King, has become the center of online conspiracy theories. Despite the mission’s success, skeptics have taken to social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to question its authenticity.
Viral Claims and Speculations
One widely circulated video shows the capsule’s hatch appearing to open from the inside before Jeff Bezos arrives to officially open it from the outside. Critics argue this contradicts standard spacecraft procedures, suggesting the event was staged. However, NASA clarifies that such hatches are designed to be operable from both inside and outside, allowing crew members to open them if necessary .
Another point of contention is a photo depicting a figure in a blue jumpsuit inside the capsule, with some alleging it shows a “fake hand,” implying the use of mannequins. Investigations reveal this image is from a 2017 test flight involving a dummy named “Mannequin Skywalker,” not the recent mission .
Additionally, observers have questioned the appearance of the crew’s hair during the flight, noting it didn’t float as expected in microgravity. Experts explain that hair behavior in zero gravity can vary based on styling and individual differences, and the crew’s hair was professionally styled before the flight .
Expert Insights
Dr. Daniel Jolley, a psychology expert from the University of Nottingham, suggests that the combination of space exploration’s complexity and the involvement of high-profile individuals creates a fertile ground for conspiracy theories. He notes that when events are not directly observable by the public, skepticism can flourish .
Despite the spread of these theories, there is no credible evidence to support claims that the Blue Origin flight was faked. The mission was live-streamed, widely viewed, and aligns with established aerospace procedures. Experts and official sources continue to affirm the authenticity of the flight .
As space tourism becomes more prevalent, public scrutiny and speculation are likely to increase, especially when celebrity figures are involved. However, distinguishing between unfounded theories and verified information remains crucial in the discourse surrounding such events.