Blue Origin is set to make history with the launch of its first all-female space crew this spring, comprising some of the most well-known names, including CBS Morning co-anchor Gayle King, pop superstar Katy Perry, and philanthropist Lauren Sánchez. Also joining them are former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics research scientist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn. The mission has been framed as a significant milestone, marking the first all-female crew flight to space since the historic mission of Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova back in 1963.
Lauren Sánchez, who is also Jeff Bezos’s fiancée, has played an integral role in assembling this remarkable group of women, stating her honor at leading such an influential team of explorers. “She is honored to lead a team of explorers on a mission…that will challenge their perspectives of Earth, empower them to share their own stories, and create lasting impact…” said Blue Origin in its press release on February 27, 2025.
Among those taking to the skies, Gayle King expressed her mixed feelings about the spaceflight experience. She shared her thoughts with CBS News, saying, “I don’t know how to explain being terrified and excited at the same time. It’s like how I felt about to deliver a baby.” Alvarez consulted her children and friend Oprah Winfrey before deciding to participate. “I thought Oprah would say no. She said, ‘I think if you don’t do it, when they all come back you had the opportunity, you will be kicking yourself.’ She was right,” King noted, highlighting the supportive network behind her decision.
Another crew member, Lauren Sánchez, excitedly took to Instagram to share, “The countdown starts now! 🚀 #takingupspace.” She expressed her hope for the mission, stating, “This flight is not just transformative for them, but also for everyone they tell their story to.” Sánchez praised her fellow explorers for their extraordinary achievements across various fields but emphasized their narrative abilities, saying, “They’re incredible storytellers.”
The mission is slated to utilize Blue Origin’s autonomous, reusable New Shepard rocket system, which will take the crew near the Kármán line — the internationally recognized boundary of space. This will be the 11th human flight of the New Shepard program, which has previously flown 52 people since its inception.
Blue Origin has steadily gained popularity within the space tourism sector since its founding by Jeff Bezos back in 2000. The spaceflight company made headlines with high-profile passengers, including the likes of William Shatner and Bezos himself, both having experienced the thrill of space travel.
Reflecting on the transformative experience of space travel, Bezos said, “You see how fragile the Earth is. If you’re not an environmentalist, it will make you one.” He noted the overwhelming feelings astronauts can experience when gazing at Earth from space, referred to as the overview effect — the realization of the beauty and fragility of their home planet.
Despite the excitement, there are varying perspectives on what it means to venture beyond Earth. Shatner himself expressed discomfort after his experience, describing feelings of grief during the flight. He noted, “When I looked in the opposite direction, there was no mystery… all I saw was death.” Nonetheless, these contrasting experiences resonate with the broader aim of Blue Origin to inspire awe and exploration.
The mission will not just be about flying to space; it is about affirming the capabilities of women and the stories they hold. It is poised to send out ripples of encouragement to future generations of female explorers. With their distinctive talents and narratives, these women not only aim to challenge conventional boundaries but also to inspire global audiences through their endeavors.
Currently, Blue Origin continues to fuel dreams of space travel beyond just science. By featuring diverse voices as part of their crew, they are paving the way toward inclusivity and representation. The message is clear: space is for everyone, especially women who continue to break barriers.
While no specific launch date has been provided yet, as the countdown to this exciting event continues, anticipation is building. This mission promises to be more than just another flight; it will embody empowerment and optimistic visions for the future of space exploration.