Blue Origin has announced its plans for the upcoming NS-31 mission, making headlines as it prepares to launch the first-ever all-female crew to space. This historic flight will feature esteemed personalities, including journalist Lauren Sanchez, pop star Katy Perry, and television host Gayle King, alongside notable figures like aerospace engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.
Set to launch this spring from Blue Origin's spaceport located in West Texas, the exact date has yet to be specified. This mission marks the company's 11th overall human flight and is notable for being the first all-female crewed flight since Soviet cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova's solo mission back in 1963.
The crew aims to inspire future generations and change perspectives on space exploration. Blue Origin's official statement emphasizes Sanchez’s pivotal role, noting, "She is honored to lead a team of explorers on a mission to empower them to share their own stories and create lasting impact." Sanchez shared her excitement on Instagram, stating, "If someone would have told me...this is even bigger. I can't believe it's happening." Her enthusiasm reflects the transformative experience this voyage promises for the entire crew.
Joining Sanchez on this groundbreaking flight are Katy Perry, widely known for her chart-topping hits and philanthropic efforts, and Gayle King, who co-hosts CBS Mornings. King expressed the life-changing nature of the experience, stating, "You can’t possibly go up there and not come back changed." This sentiment resonates with the mission’s goal of providing not just adventure but meaningful change for the participants.
Aisha Bowe, who previously worked as a rocket scientist for NASA, and Amanda Nguyen, recognized for her advocacy work and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, will also be part of this remarkable team. Sanchez is particularly proud of their capacity for storytelling, underscoring her hope: "What I'm hoping for is...to dream big and reach for the stars." Each crew member is celebrated for their unique contributions, pushing boundaries and serving as role models.
During the flight, the crew will soar past the Kármán line—the internationally recognized boundary of space—allowing them to experience several minutes of microgravity. The entirely autonomous New Shepard rocket is engineered to allow all onboard to be considered crew members, eliminating the traditional need for pilots.
It's noteworthy to mention this mission's backdrop, as Blue Origin recently instituted workforce reductions, laying off 10 percent of its employees to streamline operations. CEO Dave Limp highlighted the company's need to focus on scaling manufacturing and efficiency, stating, "Our primary focus...is to scale our manufacturing output and launch cadence with speed, decisiveness, and efficiency for our customers."
Blue Origin seeks to improve its standing within the aerospace industry, where it faces tough competition from SpaceX. With the aim of making significant advancements, this mission stands out as both a marketing strategy and as part of broader goals for scientific and commercial exploration. Professor Ehud Behar from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology noted, "Missions like this...support the launch of scientific and commercial instruments...not just people."
The New Shepard rocket, measuring 59 feet tall, continues to evolve following its first crewed flight, which included founder Jeff Bezos himself. Since then, Blue Origin has successfully completed multiple passenger flights, including one with famous personalities like former NFL player Michael Strahan and Star Trek's William Shatner, becoming the oldest person to reach space at 90.
Lauren Sanchez's participation brings personal significance, as both she and Bezos will have flown aboard New Shepard. This mission is poised to mark not just another leap for Blue Origin, but also significant progress for women’s representation and empowerment in the science and technology sectors.
It’s about time the skies welcomed more female explorers, and this mission provides the perfect platform to inspire future generations of women and girls dreaming of reaching beyond the stars. With their eyes set high, this all-female crew is ready to capture the world’s imagination, as they prepare to write their own stories among the stars.