Katy Perry and Gayle King Are Blasting Off to Space—Here’s Why and How You Can Watch

This Monday, pop superstar Katy Perry and veteran TV host Gayle King are set to embark on an out-of-this-world adventure: a trip to space aboard Virgin Galactic’s spacecraft. The journey, part of the company’s growing space tourism program, marks a thrilling moment for both celebrities and fans alike. But why are they going, and what does this mean for the future of space travel? Let’s break it down.

Why Space? Inspiration, Adventure, and Breaking Barriers
Katy Perry and Gayle King aren’t just going to space for the thrill (though that’s definitely part of it). Their mission is symbolic. Perry, known for her upbeat anthems and bold personality, has shared that she hopes the trip inspires her fans to “reach for the stars” in their own lives. Gayle King, a seasoned journalist, aims to document the experience, sharing the wonder of space with audiences who might never get this opportunity. Both women are also highlighting the growing accessibility of space travel, even if it’s still limited to the ultra-wealthy. Their journey is a reminder that the cosmos—once reserved for astronauts—is slowly opening to civilians.

Virgin Galactic’s Role: A New Era of Space Tourism
Virgin Galactic, founded by billionaire Richard Branson, has been pioneering commercial spaceflights since 2004. The company uses a unique system: a carrier plane launches the VSS Unity spacecraft high into the atmosphere, where it then fires its rocket engine to soar to the edge of space. Passengers experience a few minutes of weightlessness and breathtaking views of Earth before gliding back to land. Previous flights have carried Branson himself and researchers, but this mission adds star power to the mix, signaling that space tourism isn’t just a futuristic dream—it’s here.

What to Expect During the Flight
The flight, departing from Spaceport America in New Mexico, will last roughly 90 minutes from takeoff to landing. The most thrilling part? The few minutes when the spacecraft reaches about 55 miles above Earth, granting Perry and King a glimpse of the planet’s curvature against the blackness of space. They’ll float freely, untethered, in zero gravity—a life-changing experience they’ve both described as a “bucket list” moment. Virgin Galactic’s crew will ensure their safety, with pilots and engineers monitoring every second.

How to Watch History Unfold
Want to tune in? Virgin Galactic plans to livestream the launch on their website and social media channels, with coverage expected to start around 9:00 a.m. MT (11:00 a.m. ET/8:00 a.m. PT) on Monday. Viewers can expect pre-launch interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and real-time updates as the spacecraft ascends. Keep an eye on Perry’s and King’s social media accounts too—they’ll likely share personal snapshots and reactions.

A Giant Leap for Pop Culture and Science
While tickets for Virgin Galactic flights currently cost around $450,000, Perry and King’s trip is a cultural milestone. It merges pop culture with science, showing that space exploration isn’t just for scientists or billionaires—it’s becoming a canvas for storytelling and inspiration. As King put it in a recent interview, “I want people to see this and think, ‘If they can do it, why can’t we dream bigger?’”

Monday’s flight isn’t just about two famous faces floating in zero gravity. It’s a glimpse into a future where space travel could become as routine as flying cross-country. Whether you’re a fan of Katy’s music, Gayle’s journalism, or simply the magic of space, this is one journey you won’t want to miss. Buckle up—it’s going to be a wild ride.