Was Blue Origin's star-studded space flight a Hollywood hoax? Netizens run wild with CGI conspiracy theories

In what was hailed as a monumental step for space exploration, Blue Origin launched an all-female crew into space on March 14. The flight, which included high-profile names like pop star Katy Perry, TV personality Lauren Sánchez, and other influential women, reached the Karman Line—officially crossing the boundary into space. However, as soon as the mission ended, the Internet erupted with wild conspiracy theories, suggesting that the entire event was nothing more than a high-budget Hollywood production.

The Mission That Took ‘Space’ by Storm

The New Shepard rocket blasted off from Blue Origin’s launch site in Texas, carrying the six women into space for an 11-minute journey that ended with a safe landing on Earth. But while the flight was live-streamed and broadcast to millions around the globe, it didn’t take long for online skeptics to question its authenticity. Theories quickly spread that the mission wasn’t a historic journey into space, but a cleverly staged event designed to deceive the public.

The theories claim that Blue Origin's latest flight was little more than a high-tech CGI extravaganza, comparing it to “the worst special effects any fake space agency has ever created.” Some went as far as to suggest that the mission took place entirely inside a film studio, with the celebrities allegedly floating in water tanks.

“Hollywood Fake Space?” The Internet Reacts

On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), users were quick to point out what they believed were inconsistencies in the footage. One Twitter user shared, “Anyone else think the Blue Origin flight today was a Hollywood fake?” Another declared it “one of the biggest lies in the history of mankind,” while others suggested that the entire flight was merely another Hollywood production. As the conspiracy theories began to snowball, even the involvement of celebrities like Perry and Sánchez seemed to fuel the fire. One particularly vocal commenter claimed, “Katy Perry and the other celebrities are actually in a Hollywood movie studio inside a pool, not in space.”

These theories weren’t just limited to skeptics questioning the technology. A subset of commenters even linked the flight to dark, occult ideas, particularly focusing on Perry. A vocal group on social media theorized that the mission was part of a “satanic ritual,” citing Perry's association with certain conspiratorial narratives. One user suggested, “Katy Perry is one of the biggest promoters of the occult; this is all a massive charade.”

Psychology of a Conspiracy: Why We’re So Easily Convinced

Psychologists have weighed in on the situation, pointing out that space travel and celebrity culture have always been fertile ground for conspiracy theories. Dr. Daniel Jolley, an expert in the psychology of conspiracies, explained that the combination of high-profile celebrities and the mystery of space exploration created an environment ripe for skepticism.

“Space exploration and celebrity culture are two domains that have long been fertile ground for conspiracy theories,” Dr. Jolley told Mail Online. “When combined with the secrecy surrounding private companies like Blue Origin and the natural uncertainty of space missions, it’s easy to see why some would feel compelled to look for alternative explanations.”

This flight, with its high-profile participants and high-tech visuals, was a “perfect storm” for conspiratorial thinking. The mystery of space and the spectacle of a billionaire-backed mission made it easy for some to dismiss the very real achievement and embrace an elaborate story that aligned better with their fears and suspicions.

Celebrities, Satanic Symbols, and the NS-31 Patch

As the mission continued to attract attention, a curious detail also caught the eye of conspiracy theorists: the mission patch worn by each of the passengers. The patch, which featured an intricate design, was accused by some of containing “satanic symbols” upon closer inspection. One particularly fervent conspiracy theorist suggested that the logo, when flipped, resembled a “satanic goat with an upside-down cross.”

Though these claims have no factual basis, they tapped into a broader conspiracy culture that believes the entertainment industry is secretly involved in occult practices. This narrative, bolstered by celebrities like Katy Perry—who has been frequently associated with such theories—fueled more suspicion about the authenticity of the mission.

The Reality Behind the ‘Ritual’—What Actually Happened?

Despite the wild theories circulating, the NS-31 mission was, in fact, a real space flight. After the crew reached space, they experienced a few minutes of weightlessness before descending back to Earth and landing safely after 11 minutes. The mission, while short, was an important moment for private space exploration, led by Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin. In addition to Perry and Sánchez, the crew included several other remarkable women, such as Gayle King, Aisha Bowe, and former NASA rocket scientist Amanda Nguyen.

The mission’s realness, however, didn’t seem to quell the conspiracy fervor. In fact, the very involvement of such celebrities—who are often the target of conspiracy theories—added another layer of intrigue to the story, leading some to question whether the flight was simply part of a larger, more secretive plan.

The Power of Social Media and the Spread of False Narratives

Professor Karen Douglas, a psychologist at the University of Kent, while talking with Mail Online, highlighted how social media platforms play a crucial role in the rapid spread of conspiracy theories. “People who are interested in conspiracy theories can find them almost immediately, and they spread quickly,” she said. “Once a theory is out there, especially when facts are still being uncovered, it becomes very difficult to quell.”

Indeed, the social media frenzy surrounding the Blue Origin flight is a stark reminder of how easily people can be swayed by alternative narratives, especially when they have access to a platform that amplifies their beliefs. The spread of conspiracies has become more widespread, and with the constant sharing of theories, more people are exposed to them, making them harder to ignore.

The Takeaway: Space Is Real, But So Are Conspiracies

So, what’s the takeaway from this wild ride of space theories and celebrity culture? First, yes, Blue Origin's flight was real. The mission reached space, the crew landed safely, and the journey was an important achievement for private space exploration. However, the conspiracies surrounding the flight highlight a growing trend in how people interpret and share events in our increasingly uncertain world.

With each new space mission, the possibilities for skepticism and conspiracy grow, and the combination of mystery, media, and social platforms only fuels the flames. As for Katy Perry and the rest of the all-female crew—perhaps they’ve just given the world a glimpse into space, but also, inadvertently, into the world of conspiracy.