Showbiz stars turned up to see Katy Perry off into space as Oprah Winfrey was reduced to tears with Kris Jenner and Khloe Kardashian also showing up to support the mission.
The pop star was blasted into space on aboard Amazon owner Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket. The Firework singer could be seen in the rocket as it pulled away from the gantry at the launch facilities in West Texas, before a countdown from mission control, then flames shot out of the bottom of the craft and it successfully launched into the air.
Some big names were there, leaving fans confused with many taking to social media to register their surprise. Katy, ex-NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, civil rights campaigner Amanda Nguyen, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and journalist Lauren Sanchez are gearing up for their mission as they prepare to blast off on Jeff Bezos’ space tourism rocket with CBS presenter Gayle King.
Lauren is close with the Kardashian clan and Kris spoke ahead of their departure and explain why Kim couldn’t make it, saying “I’m so proud of her, it’s such a big day in history. Kim was supposed to be here but she is studying for her law exam.” Khloe said: “My daughter is seven and it’s so inspiring. What you dream of is in our reach. Dream big and reach for the stars.”
Khloe added that she was given tips from Blue Origin staff for the launch viewing experience: “I love the messaging that we keep receiving from the staff here at Blue Origin is, don’t film it through your phones. Look through your eyes. Be as present as possible.”
Oprah sported a yellow top to support friend Gayle King, who’s call sign is ‘Sunshine’. The pair have been friends since their early 20s, with Orpah saying she has “never been more proud” of her friend. “I think, for her, any time we’re on a flight, she’s on anybody’s lap if there’s the slightest bit of turbulance, she has real anxiety flying, this is overcoming a wall of fear, a barrier and I think it’s going to be cathartic in many ways,” Oprah said.
Explaining why she encouraged her friend to take part, she said: “I think life is about continuing to frow into the best of yourself and the fullest expression of yourself and I think this is one of the most fullest expressions you can really have.” She added:.” And I know she’d regret it and I didn’t want to hear about it for the next 15 years.” She said “none of us will ever forget this day” having been there for her friend for so many years.
Speaking ahead of her trip, Katy, 40, said: “I’m really excited… We are all made of stardust and it’ll be exciting to see them twinkle from that site and have such an appreciation for Mother Earth when we see it in that way. I am talking to myself every day going: You’re brave, you’re bold, you’re doing this to ensure so many different people – but especially young girls – to go ‘I’ll go into space in the future. No limitations’.”
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