To Infinity and Beyond... Your Budget: How Much It Could Cost to Go to Space Like Katy Perry with Blue Origin

Blue Origin's latest space flight, featuring an all-female crew alongside popstar Katy Perry, has stirred intrigue about just how much it costs to involve yourself in space travel. With a blend of celebrities and scientists aboard, the question on everybody's mind is — which passengers footed the bill for this flight?

On 14 April 2023, Blue Origin launched its first all-female crew from West Texas, marking a significant milestone in the realm of space exploration. The six-member team included famous figures such as singer Katy Perry, journalist Gayle King, and Lauren Sánchez, alongside accomplished professionals like NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe and bioastronautics researcher Amanda Nguyen.

Their flight lasted approximately eight minutes, thrusting them into the spotlight both for their achievements, as well as for the financial mystery surrounding their tickets.

While Blue Origin has not publicly confirmed ticket prices, it has a history of high-stakes auctions. In 2021, a seat on the company's first crewed flight sold for a whopping £21 million (approximately $28 million). However, the original purchaser could not attend, and the seat was eventually given to Dutch teenager Oliver Daemen, whose father came in second place during the bidding.

Free Flights or Hidden Costs

According to Blue Origin spokesperson Bill Kircos, some passengers on the recent flight paid for their seats. However, the company has opted not to disclose who. This raises questions about how many passengers shelled out the payment and how much they might have spent.

This makes it quite clear—while some individuals may be willing to pay astronomical sums for a chance to reach the stars, others might be fortunate enough to experience this adventure free of charge.Though Blue Origin has not explicitly stated how much their ticket prices are, their main competitor, Virgin Galactic, has been more transparent about its pricing with ticket sales ranging from approximately £190,000 to £340,000 ($200,000 to $450,000).

Booking a Journey into Space

For those aspiring to join the ranks of space tourists, Blue Origin has made the process accessible through a reservation page on its website. Interested passengers must provide basic personal information and demonstrate their eligibility, as only individuals aged 18 and above are allowed to fly. Notably, the reservation form also invites potential travellers to share their personal stories in 500 words or less, adding a personal touch to the application process.

While the reservation page does not list ticket prices, it does mention a 'fully refundable deposit' of £114,000 (approximately $150,000) to initiate the order process. While dreaming of space travel may be within reach for some, this indicates that the financial commitment involved can be significant. However, a completed form does not guarantee a seat on a future flight, leaving applicants in suspense about their chances of embarking on this extraordinary journey.

The Future of Space Travel

As Blue Origin continues to push the boundaries of commercial space travel, the question of ticket pricing remains a topic of speculation and curiosity. The company's approach, a combination of celebrity click-bait value with scientific achievement, has seemed to captivate the public's imagination– however, it's clear that clarity is lacking regarding the financial realities of space tourism.

With competitors like Virgin Galactic paving the way for a more standardised pricing model, Blue Origin's ticketing strategy may evolve. As the business of commercial space travel develops, more potential passengers will be more interested in watching for further announcements regarding costs and availability, hoping that one day, a trip to space could become a reality for more than just a privileged few.