On April 14, 2025, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket carried an all-female crew, including pop star Katy Perry, on an 11-minute suborbital flight. While the company doesn’t publicly disclose ticket prices, estimates suggest that seats can range from $250,000 to $28 million, depending on various factors.
To reserve a seat, Blue Origin requires a fully refundable deposit of $150,000. However, the final cost is influenced by factors such as the passenger’s profile and alignment with the company’s mission. For instance, some high-profile individuals have flown for free, while others have paid substantial amounts. In 2021, a seat was auctioned for $28 million, though the winner eventually deferred their flight.
The recent flight with Katy Perry and other notable figures like Gayle King and Lauren Sánchez has reignited discussions about the accessibility and cost of space tourism. While these journeys offer a unique experience, they remain out of reach for most people due to the high costs involved.
As space tourism continues to develop, companies like Blue Origin aim to make these experiences more accessible. However, for now, the opportunity to travel to space remains a luxury reserved for the wealthy and well-connected.
